US extends India tariff suspension till August 1, boosting hopes for trade deal

The United States government has extended the suspension of its April‑2 reciprocal tariffs on India, postponing the deadline from July 9 to August 1.

Announced this week, the decision gives Indian exporters additional breathing space and supports ongoing trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, which aim to finalise a so‑called “mini‑deal” by the extended deadline.

Under the original plan, reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports, including a baseline 10–26% on specific goods, were scheduled to take effect in early July.

That schedule was to force rapid agreement on trade terms. The extension reflects a U.S. strategy to maintain negotiation leverage while signalling readiness to strike interim deals .

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and other officials have described the extension as a positive move, providing “temporary relief” to trade stakeholders and helping de-escalate pressure as bilateral talks continue .

India plans to resolve pending issues such as market access, tariff reductions, and non‑tariff barriers within this timeframe, potentially laying the groundwork for a comprehensive pact ahead of autumn 2025.

The delay also aligns with broader US policy: President Trump’s administration is pursuing “maximum pressure” on trading partners by issuing letters indicating tariffs will reset to April‑level rates if no agreements materialize by August 1.

Around 14 countries have received official notices, including India, though New Delhi was notably not listed as having received a formal letter—suggesting a more informal but understandable handling in light of ongoing negotiations.

Market reactions have been cautious: exporters welcome the extension, but uncertainties remain over whether a mini‑deal will be secured in time. Beyond India, the move reflects U.S. interest in concluding deals with other major partners like the UK, China, and EU before tariffs snap back.