India Eyes New Export Sectors Amid US Tariffs

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday (August 29) spoke about diversifying India’s exports, underlining the need to identify which sectors could benefit from alternate markets, after the US tariff of 50%

on Indian exports came into effect this week.

The additional 25% tariff levy announced by the US administration on Indian exports took effect on Wednesday, August 27. With this, the total levy on Indian exports to the US stands at 50%.

Also read: 50% Tariffs On India: The stocks and sectors that could take a hit

Referring to the steel sector’s commitment to exporting 50 million tons of steel as part of the diversification of export basket, Minister Goyal said that there is a need to know which sectors have room for expansion to

alternate markets.

He further said that the shortage of 1 million homes in Australia is a big opportunity for skilled professionals like masons, electricians, and plumbers in the country to get certification for Australian standards.

“It's an opportunity worth over billions of dollars, financial sector will get a boost, imagine the scale,” Goyal said. Success in Australia may lead to a demonstration effect, other developed nations may queue up to benefit from our skilled labour, he added.

Besides, infrastructure development gives a multiplier effect on GDP while the gems and jewellery sector alone can take India to newer heights, Goyal said.

Domestic demand and exports

On the much-discussed topic of proposed goods and services tax (GST) reforms, the Minister said that the GST council meeting next week may spur domestic consumption. Under the proposed reform, the Union government is looking to simplify the tax structure with a two-slab structure and a 40% rate.

Coming down heavily on

the US tariffs, Goyal remarked that the self-confidence of 140 crore Indians won't tolerate any type of discrimination. However, Goyal also pointed out that India still remains an import-dependent economy, with only 2% of the country’s GDP coming from trade. “Our global market share is too small,” he said.

Expressing faith in the domestic industry’s capacity to deal with tariff hurdles, Goyal said, “Our industry has dealt with nuclear sanctions, a COVID pandemic,” adding that India’s exports this year will be more than our exports

in the previous year.

Unlocking new frontiers  

Referring to already concluded free-trade agreements with developed countries like Australia, the UAE, and the EFTA bloc, the Minister assured that India is “confident of forging ahead and capturing new markets.”

The FTA negotiations between India-EU are moving fast, and the EU's negotiating team coming to India next month, Goyal said. The Commerce Secretary is headed for conducting further discussions with the EU tomorrow, he added.

Meanwhile, the

India-Oman FTA is likely to be finalised soon. Moreover, a Qatari Minister had expressed enthusiasm about concluding an FTA with India yesterday, Goyal added.

Currently, India is negotiating FTAs with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, Chile, Peru, and New Zealand.