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Market Reaction vs. Ground Reality The announcement of a 100% US tariff on branded and patented drug imports , effective October 1, 2025 , triggered a sharp decline in some of India’s biggest pharmaceutical stocks such as Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Cipla . However, the market reaction appears largely unfounded. The tariffs primarily target branded, patented drugs rather than generic medicines , which form the bulk of India’s exports to the United States. According to ICICI Securities’ research analyst Pankaj Pandey, the near-term impact remains limited , though uncertainty lingers over whether complex generics and biosimilars might eventually come under the tariff umbrella. India’s Share in US Pharma Imports While the US is the largest export market for Indian drugmakers, India accounts for only 5.3% of total US pharma imports . India’s pharma exports to the US in 2024: $13.1 billion (about one-third of total pharma exports in FY25). Ireland was the top ex...

India’s Emerging FTA Strategy: A Turning Point in Trade Policy India’s recent trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , Switzerland , and most notably with the United Kingdom represent a significant strategic shift in the country’s approach towards Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). According to a detailed analysis by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) , India is now entering sensitive domains that were previously protected under domestic red lines — a move that could reshape the country’s future engagements with global trade partners. From Protectionism to Market Access: What Has Changed? The GTRI report notes that the nature of India’s FTAs is evolving rapidly . Historically cautious, especially in areas like government procurement, intellectual property rights (IPR), data sovereignty, automobiles , and services , India is now relaxing these barriers under bilateral agreements. Each new agreement — starting with UAE, then Switzerland, and now the UK — has d...

 

US-China Trade Conflict: A Strategic Opportunity for India India’s export and economic policymakers are watching closely as tensions escalate between the United States and China. With Washington imposing a steep 125% tariff on Chinese imports in multiple sectors, including manufacturing and consumer goods, Indian exporters see an unprecedented window of opportunity. Ajai Sahai, Director General and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), highlighted that such high tariffs could force Chinese firms to vacate critical market sectors in the U.S., paving the way for Indian businesses to fill the void—particularly in sectors like textiles and footwear , where China previously held over 25% of the U.S. market share. Indian Manufacturing Gears Up for Relocation Boom According to Sahai, multinational firms that once relied on China as their primary manufacturing base for U.S.-bound exports are likely to look toward India as a viable alternative . With a large domest...

Monetary Policy Update: Repo Rate Reduced to 6% In a proactive move aimed at supporting domestic economic recovery amidst rising global uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced a 25-basis-point cut in the repo rate , reducing it from 6.25% to 6% . This decision was made during the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on April 7–9 , and it marks the second consecutive repo rate cut, following a similar reduction in February 2025. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the decision was taken unanimously after a detailed macroeconomic review. The aim is to stimulate growth while keeping inflation under control. Global Outlook Influencing Policy Decisions Governor Malhotra noted that global economic conditions are shifting rapidly, largely due to recent tariff-related developments and trade tensions. These have led to increasing uncertainty in international markets, causing volatility in commodity prices, and posing challenges ...

Understanding Tariffs: A Key Element in Global Trade Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods and services by a country’s government. These duties are levied to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue. Tariffs can be classified into two main types: Ad Valorem Tariffs : Levied as a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific Tariffs : Charged as a fixed amount per unit of the imported product. Countries impose tariffs for various reasons, including safeguarding local businesses, reducing dependency on foreign goods, and addressing trade imbalances. However, excessive tariffs can disrupt international trade, leading to economic slowdowns and strained diplomatic relations. Why is the U.S. Increasing Tariffs on Imports? The U.S. has adopted a more protectionist trade policy in recent years, implementing tariffs on imports from various countries, including India. The primary reasons behind these tariffs include: Reducing Trade Deficits : The U.S. ...