US lawmakers move to end Trump's 50% tariffs on India

Washington: Three Democratic lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to terminate President Donald Trump's emergency declaration that imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, calling the measures illegal and economically damaging.

Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi spearheaded the resolution on Friday, seeking to rescind the additional 25 per cent duties that took effect on August 27, 2025, which, combined with earlier reciprocal tariffs, raised total duties on many Indian products to 50 per cent under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The move follows a bipartisan Senate vote in October that passed 52-48 to end similar emergency tariffs on Brazil, though that measure has stalled in the House.

Economic and Strategic Concerns

Trump initially imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, 2025, then added another 25 per cent increase days later, citing India's continued purchase of Russian oil and claiming it funded Moscow's military operations in Ukraine. The tariffs have contributed to a 28.5 per cent drop in Indian exports to the US between May and October 2025, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.

"President Trump's irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership," said Krishnamoorthi in a statement. "Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers."

Ross emphasised North Carolina's deep economic ties with India, noting that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in the state, creating thousands of jobs in sectors including life sciences and technology, while North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India annually. Veasey described the tariffs as "a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with rising costs".

Constitutional Authority

The resolution represents part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress's constitutional authority over trade policy and limit the president's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs unilaterally. In October, the three lawmakers joined Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other House members in urging Trump to reverse his tariff policies and repair strained bilateral relations with India.