The August 2025 U.S. Tariff Hike on Indian Exports: Sector-Wise Losses, Employment Impact and Policy Response
Dr. Shubham Tayal Shubham Tayal
Paper Contents
Abstract
This paper evaluates the immediate economic impact of the United States doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50% with effect from August 27, 2025, a move announced in response to Indias continued crude oil imports from Russia and to protect U.S. industries. Using a partial equilibrium framework with Armington-type demand and sector-specific export elasticities, the study quantifies short-term export losses, employment impacts, and macroeconomic implications. Results reveal sharp contractions in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto components, and IT services, with significant downstream effects on employment, GDP, and sales revenues. The analysis further outlines a four-pillar policy responseexport credit support, market diversification, compliance and competitiveness upgrades, and domestic value additionto cushion the blow and sustain long-term resilience. This timely study provides policymakers and exporters with a clear roadmap to navigate the tariff shock and safeguard Indias economic interests.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Dr. Shubham Tayal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.