US cuts tariff on Indian goods to 18%

What happened
- The PM thanked President Trump for reducing the US tariff on Indian products to 18% [PIB].
Background
- The US is India’s largest export market. Earlier tariff hikes had hit textiles, gems and seafood.
Why it matters
- Lower tariffs restore price competitiveness for labour-intensive exports.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-02-02): the PM thanked President Trump for reducing the US tariff on Indian products to 18%.
- Lower tariffs restore price competitiveness for labour-intensive exports.
Quotable data pointThe PM thanked President Trump for reducing the US tariff on Indian products to 18%.
PIB: PMO: PM speaks to President Trump, 2 Feb 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Mains: India–US trade.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Reduced US tariff on Indian goods
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
India's largest export destination
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Announced on
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
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Official source: PIB: PMO: PM speaks to President Trump, 2 Feb 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending