Three members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to end steep tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration. The lawmakers, Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, described the duties as “illegal” and damaging to both American consumers and workers.
The tariffs were first introduced under a national emergency declaration, with Trump citing concerns over India’s trade policies and purchases of Russian oil. The duties cover a wide range of Indian-made goods, significantly raising their cost in the US market. In August 2025, an additional 25 percent duty was added on top of earlier tariffs, bringing some products’ total import duties to as high as 50 percent.
The resolution aims to repeal these tariffs and remove the national emergency powers that allowed them. It highlights the importance of the US-India economic and strategic partnership, including trade, investment, and supply chain links that support American jobs and industries.
Representative Deborah Ross said states like North Carolina benefit from trade with India, which provides jobs and drives economic growth, and that the tariffs undermine these advantages. Congressman Marc Veasey called India a key partner in culture, economics, and security, warning that the duties act as an extra tax on ordinary Americans already facing rising costs. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized that ending the tariffs would strengthen bilateral cooperation on both economic and security fronts.
The resolution is also part of a broader effort by some Congressional Democrats to challenge the use of emergency powers in trade policy. By restoring Congress’s authority over trade decisions, they aim to ensure that future trade measures are transparent, fair, and legally sound.
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