Now Reading: US 100% tariff threat: India has $200 bn alternative markets, says economist
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US 100% tariff threat: India has $200 bn alternative markets, says economist
US 100% tariff threat: India has $200 bn alternative markets, says economist
The Trump administration’s plan to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude has raised fears for India’s exports. But economist SP Sharma told ANI that Indian exporters have 15 alternative markets…
The Story in Brief
The Trump administration’s plan to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude has raised fears for India’s exports. But economist SP Sharma told ANI that Indian exporters have 15 alternative markets worth a combined $200 billion, including the Netherlands, France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal. India’s merchandise exports to the US stood at $87.3 billion in 2025-26. Sharma said exports to other markets are growing at 20-25%, faster than the 10-15% growth to the US. He added that steep tariffs would push up prices for American consumers and hurt the US economy.
The Indian Opinion
The panic over a 100% US tariff on Russian crude buyers is predictable, but the celebration of a $200 billion escape hatch needs a reality check. Yes, SP Sharma identifies 15 alternative markets, but can Indian exporters actually tap them at the same margins and scale? Labour-intensive goods are competitive, yet logistics, trade deals, and local demand vary wildly. The real test is whether shipments to those markets can grow 20-25% without the US absorbing the surplus. Watch the quarterly export data to the Netherlands, France, and UAE for the answer.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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