Key News of the week: 50% Trade Tariff, No change in RBI Repo Rate, Brand India needs to Shine

Trade & Geopolitics

  • US Tariffs Escalate: The U.S.under President Donald Trump, has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, intensifying trade tensions and rattling exporters. This move has sparked concerns over India’s trade competitiveness and its positioning in global supply chains.

  • India’s Response—‘Brand India’ Boost: Corporate India is rallying behind a renewed “Brand India” campaign, emphasizing domestic resilience and improvements in the business environment, tourism, and infrastructure to offset trade headwinds.

  • Policy Response in Motion: The government is crafting a hefty ₹20,000 crore initiative aimed at supporting exporters and mitigating the fallout from global trade disruptions.

  • Energy Strategy Standoff: India continues to purchase discounted Russian oil despite mounting U.S. pressure, signaling a firm stance on prioritizing energy security over geopolitics.

Takeaway for Investors & Traders

  1. Heightened Volatility Ahead: U.S. tariffs and trade tensions signal an uncertain near-term outlook—expect continued risk-off sentiment in markets.
  2. Opportunities in Export-Support Measures: Monitor announcements around the ₹20,000 crore exporter initiative for potential plays in logistics, freight, and supporting sectors.
  3. Renewed Focus on Self-Reliance: “Brand India” and import substitution drives may offer tactical openings in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure.
  4. Manufacturing Shifts: The scaling up of iPhone production underscores India’s growing role in global electronics—investors might watch related tech and industrial plays closely.

It’s high time that ‘Assembled in India’, needs to be ‘Made in India’.

On services export, we also need to make sure, that all GCC and ITs see India as an indispensable part.

Plus we need to have more freedoms and protections for Indian citizens, better courts, better and PROFESSIONAL law enforcement.

100% agree. The situation we are right now, its the best to capitalise and bring in policies that should focus majorly on make in india endeavours. Empower entreprenuers, allocate budgets, drastically improve ease of doing business & taxation filing.