Reciprocity is the new tariff mantra in Washington, and India is learning it the hard way. The Trump administration has slapped a 26% tariff on imports from India—higher than the rates for Europe, Japan or South Korea—marking a sharp escalation in its hardline trade posture. The new duties take effect in two stages, starting with a flat 10% across-the-board levy from April 5, with the country-specific tariff kicking in four days later.India is the only major economy other than China to face a penalty of this magnitude. While steel, aluminium and pharmaceuticals have been spared this time, most other Indian goods entering the US will be hit with combined duties of 37%, factoring in the 10% base tariff and the 27% reciprocal charge. Unlike product-specific tariffs, these are designed to be country-wide and appear to also account for integrated goods and services tax and non-tariff barriers.
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