Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk Launched by Centre

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has operationalised the ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in addressing emerging challenges in global trade, especially amid evolving tariff and counter-tariff measures.

Key Highlights:

1. The Helpdesk will serve as a support mechanism for importers, exporters, and trade stakeholders facing:
   1. Import and export challenges
   2. Import surges or dumping
   3. EXIM clearance issues
   4. Logistics and supply chain disruptions
   5. Financial or banking hurdles
   6. Regulatory and compliance problems
2. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide inputs and suggest possible support measures to the Ministry.
3. The Department of Commerce and DGFT are closely monitoring developments in global trade including:
   1. Tariff changes
   2. Export-related issues
   3. Surge in imports

Global Trade Context:

1. The US President paused reciprocal tariffs on 75 countries, including India, enhancing the scope for a bilateral trade agreement.
2. Simultaneously, the US imposed a 125% tariff on China, prompting retaliatory measures from China.
3. This shift in trade dynamics may encourage business relocation from China to India, due to India’s relatively lower tariff regime.