Outlook Business Desk
India’s Commerce Ministry is drawing up a comprehensive export plan targeting 50 countries to reduce the impact of steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to diversify export destinations and support sectors hit by the 50% US tariff hike.
The plan expands India’s export focus from an earlier list of 20 countries to now 50 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Europe, according to sources cited by Mint. These 50 nations represent about 90% of India’s current export shipments and are crucial for diversifying India’s export markets.
The United States doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, with the additional 25% tariff effective from 27 August 2025. This significant hike is a key reason behind India’s push to diversify its export markets.
Key Indian export sectors face high exposure to US tariffs: textiles (60%), shrimp (50%), gems and jewellery (25%), apart from engineering goods, petroleum products, and chemicals that rely heavily on the US market, making diversification urgent to protect growth.
The government’s initiative includes focused assistance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to help them explore new international markets. This support aims to strengthen MSMEs’ ability to compete globally and offset losses from reduced exports to the US.
India is expanding its export strategy by targeting 50 countries, including from West Asia and Africa regions, to reduce reliance on any single market. This move aims to cushion the impact of steep US tariffs and diversify trade relationships, ensuring sustained growth.
The government’s 50-country export plan is a long-term strategy to secure India’s position as a reliable global supplier. It focuses on creating new opportunities and maintaining momentum amid evolving geopolitical realities.