New Delhi, 13 Feb 2026 — India and the United States have moved to reset their trade relationship after months of tension over punitive tariff rates. Under a new interim trade framework, both sides agreed to reduce tariffs and expand market access — a development that could have wide-ranging implications for Indian exporters, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, as well as broader industrial and consumer exports.
The evolution from high-tariff barriers towards gradual liberalisation reflects a strategic recalibration in India–US economic ties — with potential benefits for export competitiveness, supply chain stability, and sectoral growth.
This article explains the key changes in tariff policy, how they affect major Indian industries, and what exporters, investors, and policymakers should watch next.
What Changed: From Heavy Tariffs to Interim Trade Deal
In 2025, the United States imposed steep tariffs — including a range of duties up to 50 percent on many Indian exports — as part of broader trade negotiations and political pressure tactics.
Under the most recent trade framework agreed in early February 2026, both governments committed to significantly lowering these tariffs — generally to 18 percent or less for many product categories — and in some cases eliminating duties entirely.
Key highlights include:
- Tariffs on many Indian industrial and manufactured exports reduced to about 18 percent.
- Zero-duty access for India’s pharmaceutical and some gem and jewellery exports.
- A broader framework to increase bilateral trade volumes and liberalise market access.
The deal also outlines sector-specific tariff relief and structured import quotas for select U.S. goods entering India, aiming to balance liberalisation with domestic protections.
Why This Matters for Indian Exports
The tariff reset comes after a period of heightened uncertainty that affected India’s export performance, particularly in goods where the U.S. is a major buyer.
1. Pharmaceuticals: Duty-Free Access Preserved
One of the most significant aspects of the interim trade framework is zero duty on Indian pharmaceuticals exported to the United States.
India supplies a large share of the U.S. generic drug market and is one of the world’s leading exporters of pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicines. Direct tariff relief reinforces India’s cost competitiveness in a sector where margins are already thin and price sensitivity is high.
Industry experts point out that tariff uncertainty had previously clouded investment and export planning, even though generics are in constant demand due to sharply lower production costs in India compared with many manufacturing hubs abroad.
Maintaining zero duty:
- protects the export competitiveness of Indian generics,
- reduces cost pressures on U.S. healthcare systems dependent on more affordable medicines,
- and ensures supply chain stability for critical drugs.
At the same time, policymakers acknowledge that future tariff adjustments could be a negotiation lever — meaning exporters still need to diversify markets and reduce overreliance on a single destination.
2. Gems & Jewellery: Relief After Severe Slump
India’s gems and jewellery sector — accounting for a significant share of outbound shipments — saw marked export declines when U.S. tariffs spiked in 2025. High tariffs had sharply eroded competitiveness for cut diamonds and gold jewellery, leading to shipment delays and margin compression.
With the tariff reduction from around 50 percent to 18 percent under the interim deal, India’s exporters are now better positioned to regain market share in the U.S. — historically the largest destination for Indian gems and precious stones.
Industry analysts say the tariff rollback:
- restores a degree of cost competitiveness, especially against regional peers like Vietnam and Pakistan,
- improves order books and capacity utilisation,
- and supports employment in export hubs such as Surat and Mumbai.
While the sector still faces global demand uncertainties and price cycles, the tariff relief is seen as structurally positive, especially for medium-term export growth and external stability.
3. Other Export Sectors: Broader Impacts and Opportunities
The tariff reset also affects a range of other sectors, some of which have felt pressure in the past year.
Textiles and Apparel:
Prior to the tariff rollback, the U.S. market accounted for a notable share of Indian textile exports — but high duties reduced competitiveness, causing orders to shift to lower-cost producers. With tariffs now lowered to 18 percent, India can better compete with Bangladesh, Vietnam, and others.
Seafood and Engineering Goods:
Lower tariffs are expected to help India’s seafood exports and engineered products, which had faced cost pressures due to sky-high duties. Some animal feeds, frozen shrimp, and machinery categories could see renewed demand as landed costs fall.
Automobiles and Consumer Goods:
While tariffs on some auto components and consumer goods have been adjusted under quota-based relief, longer-term impacts will depend on final notifications and market access commitments.
Trade Balance and Risks: Skepticism and External Pressures
Despite the tariff relief, economists and trade experts express caution about certain components of the interim framework:
- India’s commitment to importing up to $500 billion worth of U.S. goods over five years has drawn scrutiny as potentially widening the trade deficit if executed without clear safeguards.
- Wider macro-economic shifts, including rising commodity prices and currency volatility, could also influence trade balances and export competitiveness.
Experts also note that while tariff cuts improve market access, non-tariff barriers, logistical constraints and global demand cycles will continue to shape export performance. Diversification into other regions — such as the EU, Middle East, Africa, and ASEAN markets — remains a priority for Indian exporters.
What the Shift Means for Indian Business and Policy
The ongoing trade realignment with the U.S. highlights a strategic pivot for India — balancing market access with domestic industry protection while asserting itself as a reliable global supplier.
Key takeaways include:
- Pharma sector stability: Zero tariffs help maintain India’s competitive edge in generics exports to the U.S.
- Job and revenue preservation: Tariff relief for labour-intensive sectors like gems and textiles supports jobs and export revenues.
- Supply chain resilience: Improved cost structures can encourage investment in export infrastructure and production capacity.
- Trade policy clarity: Reduced uncertainty strengthens business confidence and long-term planning.
At the same time, trade policymakers stress the importance of building diversified export markets, enhancing quality and value addition, and negotiating final terms of a full bilateral trade agreement to lock in long-term commitments.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Indian Exports
The US-India tariff reset signifies a meaningful shift in bilateral trade dynamics amid complex geopolitical and economic pressures. By lowering duties and securing zero-duty access for key export sectors, the interim trade framework provides much-needed relief for Indian exporters — particularly in pharmaceuticals and gems & jewellery, which had borne the brunt of earlier tariff hikes.
However, the path ahead will depend on how exporters adapt to evolving market conditions, how effectively trade diversification strategies are executed, and how quickly both countries transition from interim measures to a comprehensive trade agreement.
For Indian business leaders, policymakers, and investors, the tariff shift represents both a reset and an opportunity — one that could shape export trends and supply chain patterns for years to come.
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Last Updated on: Monday, February 16, 2026 8:39 pm by News Estate Team | Published by: News Estate Team on Monday, February 16, 2026 8:39 pm | News Categories: Business
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