India's Exports Growing Despite US Tariff Hike: Commerce Ministry To Parliamentary Panel

India’s exports have continued to grow despite the hike in tariffs imposed by the United States, the commerce ministry told a parliamentary panel on Thursday.

According to the commerce ministry, there has been an increase in outbound shipments during April-October as compared to the same period last year.

The parliamentary standing committee on commerce convened under chairperson and TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen to review India-US relations, focusing on recent US tariff hikes. Senior officials from the commerce ministry, including commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal, provided a comprehensive presentation.

Officials stressed that domestic production remains the Centre’s primary priority, highlighting its significant contribution to India’s economy

over the export sector. Members from different parties questioned why a developing, welfare-oriented country like India had been targeted with such tariffs. Opposition MPs expressed surprise and concern, noting that while India views the US as a key partner, the sanctions were unexpected.

The committee also addressed ongoing complaints from traders across the Coffee Board, Tea Board, and Silk Board about lack of a level playing field. Members raised concerns about the steadily rising US dollar, the declining rupee, and the struggles of agro-based industries such as textiles despite claims of strong domestic demand. Another major issue was lack of significant relief for consumers despite the reduction in global crude oil prices.

The committee has been assured that detailed written responses from the commerce ministry will be submitted within the next two weeks. The panel will continue its deliberations on December 16, when India’s foreign secretary and other MEA officials are expected to testify. Industry bodies, including FICCI and CII, may also be invited.

In addition to Dola Sen, the meeting was attended by Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary, JD(U)’s Girdhar Yadav, and BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Praveen Khandelwal, and Ramesh Awasthi among others.