Asia stocks extend losses after Wall Street plunge

Japan: Tokyo’s important Nikkei score fell on Friday ( Apr 4), extending the previous day’s costs after US President Donald Trump sent Wall Street shares tumbling with sweeping new business taxes. In earlier industry, the Nikkei 225 index was down 1.8 per share at 34, 108.23, adding to a dropContinue Reading

Sri Lankan premier courts investors

Says area will be’ future success story ‘

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya gives a speech at the 'Invest Sri Lanka' Business Forum in Bangkok on Thursday to present investment opportunities to local and international business people. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya gives a speech at the’ Invest Sri Lanka ‘ Business Forum in Bangkok on Thursday to provide funding opportunities to local and international organization people. ( Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

Sri Lanka’s social balance and sense of hope will force it to become” the world’s second success account”, and buyers are “invited to be a part of it”, the country’s prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya, said on Thursday at an expense conference in Bangkok.

She presented investment options to a room full of local and international organization people willing to learn more about the island’s possible.

The event was held on the sidelines of the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ( Bimstec), which Bangkok will be hosting from April 2-4.

Ms Harini, who was installed in business last September, said her state has overseen evidence of economic recovery, especially in the aftermath of the political difficulties in 2022 triggered by an economic issue.

The region has seen a boom in international arrivals since the launch of this year and hopes 2025 may see a record number of tourists, said Ms Harini.

Sri Lanka is the only country to have free trade agreements with both India and Pakistan, giving duty-free access to over 1.5 billion client businesses, she noted.

” We are looking to improve our relationships with colleagues in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We are even looking to non-traditional companions, looking frontward”, she said.

Thailand and Sri Lanka discuss such heavy social roots, somewhat in Buddhism, even though Sri Lanka is a democratic society and house to all the world’s major religions, Ms Harini said.

From 2008 to 2024, Thailand contributed US$ 97 million to Sri Lanka’s foreign direct investment.

The two nations have an FTA that covers investments and services beyond trade in goods.

Dilan Samarakoon, president of the Thai-Sri Lanka chamber of commerce, said this is the start of Sri Lanka’s “new era” as the country is pursuing robust infrastructure development along with a more highly skilled workforce.

Sri Lanka is also building a strategic economic project dubbed” Port City Colombo”, the first multi-services special economic zone, Mr Dilan said, with top sectors for investors including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automobiles and parts.

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Commentary: As Trump’s tariffs roil markets, can Singapore seize the moment?

SMALL-CAP STRENGTH

The three big businesses in Singapore- DBS, OCBC, and UOB- dominate the market, accounting for about 25 per share of daily trading volume. Their powerful functionality has led to a substantial boost in their combined weight in the Straits Times Index (STI), from 40 per cent in 2019 to 54 per share now.

But, over 80 per share of the listed businesses on the SGX have a market capitalisation of under US$ 1 billion, positioning the trade as a small-cap business. This section, especially small and mid-cap companies, remains undervalued despite being well-run, prosperous, and offering attractive income. Revitalising this industry sector may provide much-needed cash and power to the SGX.

Rather than forcing fund managers to invest in individual stocks, a more effective strategy could be to create indices and exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ) based on small and mid-cap companies- perhaps an SGX50, SGX100, and SGX200.

These funds would make it easier for institutional investors, including home offices, to get exposure to smaller- and mid-caps, therefore enhancing cash. Such a move could drastically affect the buying dynamics of the local marketplace by bringing administrative wealth into formerly neglected parts.

While the EMRG’s S$ 5 billion action appears to be a step in the right direction, some business watchers argue that more could be done to support the SGX. For example, it is worth considering if government-backed funds like the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation ( GIC ) should invest in SGX-listed stocks.

If the SGX succeeds in attracting local companies to record here, it makes little sense if the GIC does not participate in them, especially when it does so on other markets like Hong Kong. Such an technique may further enhance the attractiveness of the SGX as a list destination.

The issue of blacklisting, which has been a growing problem with around 20 firms delisting last year and five so far this year, may also be alleviated if the S$ 5 billion program introduces enough liquidity into the business. In addition, the tax incentives already announced will serve as an attractive catalyst for companies to consider the Singapore market for their IPOs.

However, there is room for further improvement. One potential area is investor education. Retail investors, particularly the younger demographic, tend to gravitate towards overseas markets and more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Given that the current SGX retail base is largely aged 55 and above, efforts to engage younger investors could help diversify the investor base and encourage more participation in the local market.

Analyst coverage of mid- and small-cap stocks could also be enhanced. Analysts should be encouraged to identify and promote undervalued stocks with growth potential, rather than focusing primarily on large-cap companies. Brokers, too, should be more willing to engage with clients and promote growth and value stocks, aligning with investors ‘ risk appetites.

Lastly, attracting large, well-known companies to list on the SGX, such as PSA, Changi Airport, and NTUC, could serve as a powerful signal of the exchange’s competitiveness. Waiving or reducing some transaction fees and taxes could further reduce costs and make the SGX one of the most attractive trading platforms in Asia.

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Trump tariffs: How will India navigate a world on the brink of a trade war?

Donald Trump’s cover taxes have put the world on the verge of a possible international trade war. The European Union has vowed a united answer, and China has threatened measures.

Scores agencies like Fitch have warned that the large price hikes could result in lower development, higher prices and possibly a crisis in some parts of the world.

How may India- Asia’s second largest market- navigate these global tremors?

Trump has dealt the most brutal blow to Asian countries, slapping 34 % tariffs on China in addition to the 20 % previously levied. Vietnam and Cambodia will have to give 46 % and 49 % respectively.

In relative terms, at 27 % India has fared better.

But the price is still rough and will greatly influence big “labour intense exports”, says Priyanka Kishore of the consultancy Asia Decoded. ” That will probably have a knock-on impact on domestic desire and title gross domestic product at a time when progress is now stuttering”, said Ms Kishore.

But the new trade realities also throw up opportunities for India.

Its new price divergent with Asian peers may possibly guide to some trade re-routing. ” We can bring the shoes and clothing company from Asiatic peers if we get our work up”, says Nilesh Shah, a senior fund manager.

This may take time nevertheless.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state will therefore have to be strategic in how it navigates the situation.

Foremost, the news really “give the state a greater sense of urgency in wrapping up a business deal with the US”, says Rahul Ahluwalia, a public policy expert who previously worked for a government office. ” The US is our largest export business, so this is significant stuff”.

India exports some$ 91bn ( £69bn ) in goods to the US, which account for 18 % of its overall exports. Hectic trade negotiations have been under approach with a drop date for finish. Ahluwalia says that date could now be compressed and brought forth.

While doing that, India may even develop export markets beyond the US and concentrate on regions where tariffs remain low, such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, recommends American business research agency GTRI.

In the last couple of years, India has shown a renewed appetite for trade deals, launching free trade agreement (FTA ) talks with a range of countries and blocs, including the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Last year, Delhi signed a$ 100bn free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association ( EFTA )- a group of four European countries that are not members of the European Union.

Experts say talks with other partners could now be expedited as cracks deepen between the US and many other global economies over Trump’s actions.

But even as trade negotiations carry on with global partners, the government will need a plan on how it deals with the domestic fallout of Trump’s decision.

Impact on sectors that employ millions of people- like gems and jewellery and textiles- is likely to be significant. The government will need to extend support through means like expanding production-linked subsidies to ensure that India’s domestic industry stays globally competitive and can leverage the new opportunities this has thrown up, according to the consultancy, Ernst &amp, Young

The tariffs are “fundamentally reshaping the global trading system”, says Agneshwar Sen, a trade policy expert at Ernst &amp, Young India. This will require a “fundamental revaluation of trading strategies” as new supply chains emerge, he adds.

India will also have to be mindful of other risk factors that emerge from this- such as” Chinese dumping”, says Mr Shah.

As it becomes more difficult for Chinese goods to enter the US, these will have to find other markets. And there are few others that are as large as India.

“The global South accounts for more than 20% of global consumption and is where the new middle class is being created. This is where China will attempt to sell,” according to Akash Prakash of Amansa Capital, an investment management company in Singapore.

For the moment there’s little clarity and no official word from the government on what its plans are.

India has already reduced tariffs on some goods including high-end motorbikes and bourbon whiskey. Unlike Canada, Mexico or the European Union, Modi’s government has adopted a conciliatory approach to Trump and these announcements are unlikely to trigger a retaliation, say experts.

Indian businesses will now most likely face a period of uncertainty which is unlikely to go away anytime soon.

” Clearly, the ( Trump ) administration wants even broader and deeper tariff cuts. The question is what, if anything, will satisfy the Trump administration”?, Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment told the BBC.

It is a million dollar question, for which there are no immediate answers.

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People’s Party backs plan to launch US tariff talks

The People’s Party ( PP ) says it is on board with the government’s plan to launch trade negotiations with the United States after US President Donald Trump announced a 37 % tariff on Thai imports on Wednesday.

PP MP Sirikanya Tansakul, in her capacity as the party’s deputy leader, stressed the need for quick debate in an effort to get the price reduced to the foundation charge set at 10 % by the US, noting the charge imposed on Thailand is higher than those imposed on different countries in the region.

According to Ms Sirikanya, the new tariff could cut the value of Thai exports by 1 %, which would lead to a GDP decline of over 1 %.

” If the negotiations are delayed or unsuccessful, the nation’s GDP could drop by over 2 % this year”, Ms Sirikanya said.

Careful agreements are important, as even if the tax imposed on Thailand is brought down to 10 %, the country’s GDP may also drop by roughly 0.3 %, she said.

Among the companies that are likely to be rough hit by the US taxes are interaction products, hard-disk drives, wheels, and electronic equipment, she said.

Another PP lieutenant leader, Veerayuth Karnchuchat, said the fresh tariff may put more pressure on the economy, especially on the manufacturing sector and employment, as the United States is Thailand’s principal export market.

He warned the government not to underestimate the indirect impact of the tariff, which includes the emergence of new competitors for Thailand and disruptions to supply chains.

He said that the four trade barriers that were cited by the US as reasons to impose higher import taxes should be addressed separately.

Mr Veerayuth then called on the government to be more proactive, as the trade war is likely to escalate.

PP list-MP Sitthipol Wibulthanakul warned about the possibility of Chinese goods flooding the domestic market, as Chinese manufacturers will start to seek alternative markets for their products.

Thai businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in sectors such as furniture, textiles, and rubber product manufacturing, must be prepared for fierce competition this year, he said.

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Carsome Group consolidates cloud infrastructure, shifts data and AI-driven innovation into high gear with Google Cloud and Searce

  • Together with Searce, Carsome may work to integrate its cloud infrastructure.
  • Walk to Google Cloud: Better insights, &nbsp, and personalized wedding

From left: Kjetil Rohde Jakobsen, group chief technology officer, Carsome Group, Serene Sia, country director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud and Yash Thakker, director, Solutions Consulting, Asia Pacific, Searce

Google Cloud, Searce, and Carsome Group Inc. have announced a multi-year partnership to help propel Carsome’s growth across its markets. The association will make use of Google Cloud’s cutting-edge system, security, data analytics, and conceptual AI to enhance the practice for consumers and used car dealers when used, strengthening Carsome’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading included car e-commerce platform.

Kjetil Rohde Jakobsen, Carsome Group’s party chief technology officer, stated:” Carsome has been digitizing the used vehicle market using advanced technology since 2015. As our company grows, we saw an opportunity to improve our modern foundation to support expanding operations and increase efficiency.

” Consolidating our fog facilities with Google Cloud provides safe, full-stack abilities in data analysis and AI, as well as cost savings through better price-performance.” From car finding and funding to after-sales assistance, he continued,” This makes us create more dynamic and distinguished options for Carsome customers and partners.”

In 2024, Carsome claimed it surpassed 500, 000 cars sold since founding, with 150, 000 profits in 2023 only. In order to help its growth, the business can leverage Searce’s knowledge to transition to a unified fog model, moving core applications and databases to Google Cloud’s workload-optimized facilities for deeper integration and ongoing software improvements.

Moving to a cutting-edge cloud infrastructure will make it easier for Carsome to offer new services through its digital platforms ( such as the Carsome consumer app, Carsome CARagent, and Carsome CARdealer ), as well as through repair facilities and inspection centers. Carsome is likewise implementing Google Cloud’s built-in information settings and Security Command Center for sophisticated threat recognition to increase security and compliance.

Searce’s director, options consulting, Asia Pacific, Yash Thakker, stated:” We’re happy to assist Carsome’s sky combination, optimizing its sky spend by up to 30 %. These benefits can be reinvested in new ideas, such as AI-based customer support options that make it easier to handle queries while allowing support teams to focus on more challenging issues.

Searce said,” With a team of qualified in-house experts, Searce is well-positioned to help full-scale system movement to Google Cloud and the application of cutting-edge Artificial solutions.”

Moving to Google Cloud will enable granular insights for better decision-making and personalized customer engagement, in addition to cost savings and quicker software development cycles. The company’s first-party data will be incorporated with Looker for business intelligence and Google Marketing Platform and stored on Google Cloud’s BigQuery.

Carsome can process and stream structured and unstructured data using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and BigQuery’s native integration to enhance its AI applications, including:

  • A proprietary pricing system that determines a car’s optimal value based on model, age, mileage, and other variables to offer the best deals to both buyers and sellers.
  • A photo analysis tool that streamlines vehicle inspections while automatically masking car plate numbers to protect customer privacy.
  • A generative AI-powered contact center solution that evaluates customer interactions and makes recommendations to enhance agent performance.

Semantic search capabilities are being incorporated into Carsome’s internal tools through the use of BigQuery and Vertex AI Agent Builder. Employees can now intuitively extract pertinent information from the expanding enterprise knowledge base, reducing the amount of research needed, and enabling teams to come up with more efficient solutions for car buyers and sellers.

” Carsome can confidently expand its operations, scale its pre-owned vehicle inventory, and streamline vehicle movements between inspection centers, refurbishment facilities, and customers,” said Serene Sia, country director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud.

We look forward to completing Carsome’s cloud consolidation and advancing its innovation roadmap together, according to Searce. This includes utilizing generative and agentic AI to improve the user experience for car ownership and transaction, as well as generating new growth opportunities,” she continued.

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Why are Trump’s tariffs in Southeast Asia highest among Indochina countries?

HOW SHOULD ASEAN COUNTRIES REACT? &nbsp,

Malaysia, which will see its imports to the US get hit by a 24 per cent charge, appears to be holding fire on any backlash for now and is” certainly considering hostile taxes”. &nbsp,

It will instead” seek solutions that will uphold the spirit of free and fair trade”, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry ( MITI). &nbsp,

” To lessen the tax effect, Malaysia is expanding our export industry by prioritising high-growth parts and leveraging existing free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership”, the department said. &nbsp,

However over in Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the state had a” strong program” to handle the new 36 per cent tax imposed on its products.

Thailand will deal with the US and did not let the situation to “get to where gross domestic product may miss the target”, she said.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, however, held an immediate cabinet meeting early on Thursday. Local information added that officials of the industry ministry does provide a review on the effects of the tariffs on Vietnam’s exports and its economic growth prospects. &nbsp,

Analysts told CNA that the personal ASEAN states may not have much leverage to react to the US tariffs, but they can- as a collective bloc- move to other trade partners around the globe to counter Washington’s mercantilist measures. &nbsp,

” ASEAN countries should resist the temptation to fight, largely because tariffs hurt the countries imposing them more than anyone else. This is the correct answer from an economic point of view, but the condition may vary politically”, said Menon.

” If a reaction is deemed socially needed, then ASEAN should organize that answer. There is fat in statistics”.

The scholar Woo said that ASEAN should regard forging business partnerships with other parties beyond the US, such as with China, Japan, South Korea, the EU and even the Gulf states. &nbsp,

He cited how places like Malaysia which supply semiconductor chips to the US should also look to supplying them to Europe and China, further adding that ASEAN as a bloc may request a free trade agreement with the EU to discover possibilities for business development. &nbsp,

” The Americans are taking the ball home and they are not going to play football with you. So ( ASEAN ) has to come up with our own game”, said Woo. &nbsp,

” And I think the rest of the world is big enough that, after some adjustment, we will be able to restore everything to normal growth ( if we look elsewhere )” .&nbsp, &nbsp,

Lin of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute added that the imposition of tariffs could represent a good opportunity for ASEAN to “enhance regional cohesiveness” through a joint statement or coordinated actions that reinforces trade and investment within member states. &nbsp,

In the meantime, she acknowledged that many ASEAN states may be reluctant to significantly increase their FDIs in the US to circumvent tariffs, as such investments are capital-intensive and take time to establish. &nbsp,

Many people may prefer to wait it out rather than make significant structural adjustments, she said, considering that the Trump administration could only be in power for four years. &nbsp,

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Asia’s poorest pay as Trump tariffs target China by proxy – Asia Times

US President Donald Trump’s” Liberation Day” tariffs will punish some of the most fragile economies in Asia as collateral damage in his effort to corner China. It is tactical carelessness presented as nationalist drama.

The most severe tax increases have occurred in Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Yangon, and Hanoi, no Beijing, but in other places. &nbsp,

Myanmar, which is still reeling from a devastating earthquake and years of political unrest, is now subject to a 44 % tariff on exports to the US. Laos, where, in addition, has been slapped with a 49 % rate. Vietnam, which was viewed as a recent example of economic prosperity, has experienced 46 % damage. &nbsp,

China’s supply chain is being targeted by Washington’s industry arms, and Asia’s least developed countries are taking the brunt.

This strategy threatens to sever full regions ‘ economic anchors, as well as defying the spirit of international trade. These nations are constructing fundamental wealth rather than a global system.

Many rely on export-driven development to maintain delicate job markets and prevent hard-won growth gains from waning. It’s like hard motivation to hire them with levies of this size. It stifles local business, discourages advancement, and makes it clear that developing countries are unfit for the political game.

Trump asserts that these taxes are intended to end decades of being” defrauded” by different nations. This be clear, though: this is not about Myanmar, Laos, or Cambodia. &nbsp,

This is a direct effort to demonize China by focusing on the nations it invests in or operates through. These are countries that have firmly woven into local production ecosystems, with many of them hosting Chinese-owned or sponsored operations. &nbsp,

The US is attacking its Eastern footprint more than just retaliating against China.

The catch is that these nations are not just home to Taiwanese investment. Additionally, they house native businesses, regional manufacturers, and the growing middle groups. They offer opportunities for both themselves and the world economy. &nbsp,

Cutting them off from one of the largest markets in the world doesn’t hurt China. It deteriorates the chances of shared rise and regional security. And it places a propaganda success on a tray for Beijing.

This is the wrong path if the US really wants to dominate business. By focusing on Asia’s poorest countries, it didn’t win the trust of the region. And it definitely doesn’t outperform China by severing American firms ‘ systems.

In Southeast Asia, for example, US companies like Nike and Adidas are intensely produced. May they now face punishment for operating in environments where work is readily available and supply chains are successful?

Overall, Trump’s strategy is self-harming and misplaced. It conveys a message to international businesses that the regulations are no longer foreseeable. It does raise house inflation by raising the price of consumer goods. The US will lose the relationships necessary to provide a significant financial solution to China’s growing supremacy.

Trump’s tax plan also undermines spiritual leadership in Washington. The US has long advocated for a system of open markets, development assistance, and mutually beneficial industry. That was important. It drew nations nearer to each other and America. &nbsp,

That kindness is being shredded in favor of republican posturing now. And in that situation, others will step in, particularly China, whose deep pockets and infrastructure deals immediately seem much more appealing to governments that are on the receiving end of British “reciprocal” tariffs.

The US is reversing its grip on the world economy, and it is rash and foolish criticizing the very places it has been sold on and also believes in the promise of modernization.

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China under pressure to retaliate as US tariffs hit harder and faster than expected

Shein and Temu reportedly made up 30 % of the total size of the more than 1 billion boxes that China imported into the US in 2023, according to a report from the US parliamentary committee on China. &nbsp,

According to US Customs and Border Protection statistics, roughly 1.36 billion Chinese goods entered the nation in 2024. &nbsp,

Analysts anticipate that the move may be particularly problematic for smaller sellers who operate through Foreign e-commerce platforms, which directly target US consumers and consumers. This business model relies on ultra-fast, low-cost shipping to devalue US retailers. &nbsp,

These items are subject to customs delays, compliance challenges, and higher shipping costs as a result of the new regulations.

Exporters will likely see their packages being stopped at the border for a very long time as a result, according to Guo, adding that it will undoubtedly slow down the ( parcel screening ) process. They originally didn’t really care about this, which may cause a bigger pain.

According to EIU’s Su, who claims that the new levies may “ultimately possibly be passed on to US buyers half after part of the price is absorbed by US retailers, Chinese companies that already have “razor-thin” profit margins would have little space to bear extra costs. &nbsp,

Some Chinese companies have used free trade agreements and integrated production chains to avoid US tariffs over the years by rerouting shipments through Southeast Asian nations.

However, because nations in the region are also facing significant US tariffs today hitting both ends of this supply chain, that exit route will likely no longer be a” cost-effective solution.” &nbsp,

Rerouting Chinese imports may crash in nations like Vietnam, where they were originally partially rerouted and are now suffering greatly, according to Josef Gregory Mahoney, professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University.

In the months to come, Mahoney said, Taiwanese companies will probably make moves to new markets. &nbsp,

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Tariffs on India: Can Trump’s sweeping global duties spark a manufacturing boom?

last an afternoon
Soutik Biswas
Getty Images Employees at a garment manufacturing factory of Viraj Exports Pvt. in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022Getty Images

Donald Trump’s broad tariffs have impacted global commerce, but disruption frequently leads to new opportunities.

Starting 9 April, Indian goods will face tariffs of up to 27% (Trump’s tariff chart lists India’s rate as 26%, but the official order says 27% – a discrepancy seen for other nations too). Before the tariff hike, US rates across trading partners averaged 3.3%, among the lowest globally, compared to India’s 17%, according to the White House.

India “presents an opportunity” in textiles, electronics, and machinery” with the US imposing even higher tariffs on China ( 54 % ), Vietnam ( 46 % ), Thailand ( 36 % ), and Bangladesh ( 37 % ), according to the Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative ( GTRI ).

Great export tariffs for China and Bangladesh give Indian textile manufacturers more room to grow in the US market. If Taiwan’s system and plan help are strengthened, India can tap into package, testing, and lower-end chip production, despite Taiwan’s dominance in electronics. Even a 32 % tariff-driven limited supply chain transition from Taiwan might benefit India.

The industries that are dominated by China and Thailand are mature for tariff-driven transfer, especially in the fields of technology, cars, and products. According to a word from GTRI, India can make money by attracting purchase, expanding production, and increasing exports to the US.

May India be able to capitalize on the occasion?

Higher taxes have raised costs for businesses that are dependent on global value chains, putting strain on India’s ability to compete in foreign markets. India has a major trade deficit despite growing imports, largely driven by services. India accounts for only 1.5 % of global exports. Trump has consistently referred to India as a “tariff ruler” and a “big offender” of trade ties. With his fresh taxes, there is a concern that Indian imports will be less aggressive.

Reuters A man walks past a screen displaying U.S. President Donald Trump, at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) ahead of Trump's tariff plans, in Mumbai, India, April 2, 2025Reuters

Nevertheless, Ajay Srivastava of GTRI believes that the US’s mercantilist price regime could spur India’s benefit from global supply chain adjustments.

India may improve its ease of doing business, invest in shipping and equipment, and uphold policy balance to fully exploit these options, according to the statement. If all of these requirements are met, India is well-positioned to become a major international hotspot for manufacturing and exporting in the upcoming years.

That’s much simpler to say than to do. Places like Malaysia and Indonesia may be better positioned than India, according to Biswajit Dhar, a business professional from the Delhi-based Council for Social Development think pond.

” We may have some lost ground in the garment industry then that Bangladesh is subject to higher tariffs, but the reality is that we have treated the industry as a twilight sector and made no investments.” How may we really benefit from these tax changes without expanding our ability? says Mr. Dhar.

Since February, India has ramped up efforts to win Trump’s favour – pledging $25bn in US energy imports, courting Washington as a top defence supplier and exploring F-35 fighter deals. To ease trade tensions, it scrapped the 6% digital ad tax, cut bourbon whiskey tariffs to 100% from 150% and slashed duties on luxury cars and solar cells. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink nears final approval. The two countries have launched extensive trade talks to narrow the US’s $45bn trade deficit with India.

However, India was unable to leave the price war.

India may be concerned because there was a possibility that continuing trade negotiations would protect it from bilateral tariffs. According to Abhijit Das, former mind of the Centre for WTO Research at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, imposing these taxes right now is a significant setback.

Getty Images Workers assemble mobile phones at a Dixon Technologies factory in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021.Getty Images

One upside: pharmaceuticals are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, a relief for India’s generic drug makers. India supplies nearly half of all generic medicines in the US, where these lower-cost alternatives account for 90% of prescriptions.

Exports in important industries like technology, executive products, automotive components, industrial machines, and marine products could suffer, yet. Given the significant investments made through India’s flagship “production-linked incentives” ( PLI ) schemes to boost local manufacturing, it would be especially troubling for electronics.

” I’m concerned about the capacity of our producers because many of them are small producers who will struggle to withstand a 27 % tax increase, making them unprofitable.” The problem only gets worse as the firm costs go up, and the trade infrastructure keeps getting worse. According to Mr. Dhar,” we’re at a big disadvantage.”

Some people believe that Trump’s bargaining chip in India’s trade negotiations is these taxes. The most recent statement from the US Trade Representative reveals Washington’s dissatisfaction with India’s business practices.

The report, which was made public on Monday, highlights India’s tight import regulations for dairy, pork, and fish, which require non-GMO certification without any supporting evidence from science. Additionally, it criticizes India’s slow acceptance of genetically modified products and stent and implant prices.

India has been placed on the” Priority Watch List” due to concerns over intellectual property rights, which the report cites insufficient patent privileges, and lack of business secret laws. The record also has concerns about limiting dish policies and mandates for data localization, which further strain trade ties. Washington is concerned that India’s regulatory strategy is extremely in line with that of China. US exports could increase by at least$ 5.3 billion annually if these obstacles were removed, according to the White House.

Being in the middle of business negotiations just makes our risk worse, according to the author. This isn’t just about business exposure; it’s the whole package, according to Mr. Dhar. Additionally, expanding your opportunities and gaining a competitive advantage over Vietnam or China takes period.

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