TPCI organises webinar on US Tariff Policy: Implications & Strategies

India Business and Trade, the thought leadership platform of the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), organized a webinar on “Decoding US Import Tariffs: Implications, Global Responses & Strategies for Indian Exporters” to discuss how these measures are reshaping global trade flows and macroeconomic dynamics. The webinar served as a platform to seek expert views on the broader risks these tariffs pose to global economic and trade growth, and how they impact the Indian economy.

The panel explored India’s strategic positioning amid these changes, emphasizing the need for trade negotiations with the US in an increasingly protectionist environment. A major part of the discussion focused on the role of China in global trade, with panelists highlighting critical sectors where India could emerge as a reliable alternative.

The session concluded with key recommendations for Indian policymakers and industry stakeholders to navigate the shifting landscape. These included developing targeted sectoral strategies, diversifying supply chains, and adopting a proactive, forward-looking trade policy to seize emerging opportunities.

Discussion Highlights:

• Global Trade Disruption: US tariff hikes are significantly impacting trade flows and global economic stability.
  • India-US Trade Strategy: India must adopt a sector-focused, balanced approach in trade talks with the US.
  • China Factor: US-China tensions offer India opportunities in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
  • Way Forward for India: Emphasis on supply chain diversification, policy support, and export readiness.

The panel comprised renowned experts from international trade and economics:

• Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, ICRIER
  • Dr. Ketan Vira, Director, Pillai HOC Institute of Management Studies and Research
  • Dr. Nilanjan Banik, Professor and Program Director, Mahindra University
  • Dr. Pralok Gupta, Associate Professor, Centre for WTO Studies
  • Prof. Mridul Saggar, Professor, IIM Kozhikode and Head, Centre for Macroeconomics

Moderator: Virat Bahri, Joint Director – Research, Trade Promotion Council of India

The discussion underscored the importance of India aligning its trade and industrial strategies with evolving global realities, particularly in light of shifting supply chains and growing geopolitical uncertainties.