Democratic Lawmakers Push to End 50% Tariffs on Indian Imports

Washington, Dec 2025 : A group of prominent Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives has introduced a resolution aimed at terminating the 50 per cent tariff on imports from India, describing the duties as illegal, economically harmful, and detrimental to US-India relations.

The resolution is spearheaded by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, alongside Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Marc Veasey. It seeks to undo the national emergency declaration invoked by former President Donald Trump, which authorised tariffs of up to 50 per cent on a wide range of Indian products. The measure comes in the wake of a bipartisan Senate-passed initiative to end similar tariffs on Brazil, highlighting growing congressional concerns over the president’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping import duties.

Under the proposed resolution, the national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) that facilitated the imposition of tariffs on Indian goods would be terminated. The resolution also calls for the rescission of an additional 25 per cent “secondary” duty that took effect on August 27, which, when combined with previous reciprocal tariffs, pushed duties on many Indian-origin goods to as high as 50 per cent.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi criticised the Trump administration’s approach, saying, “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership. Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.”

Congresswoman Deborah Ross highlighted the local economic impact, particularly in states such as North Carolina, which maintains strong commercial and community ties with India. “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” she said. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state, particularly in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors.”

Ross also noted that North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India annually, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery. She emphasised that the tariffs destabilise this two-way trade relationship, putting American jobs, innovation, and long-term competitiveness at risk.

Congressman Marc Veasey drew attention to the consumer impact, particularly amid rising costs and affordability pressures across the United States. “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and these illegal tariffs are effectively a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said.

Together, Krishnamoorthi, Ross, and Veasey have emerged as leading voices in Congress opposing the Trump administration’s tariff agenda and advocating for a reset in US-India relations. In October, the trio joined Congressman Ro Khanna of California and 19 other House members in urging President Trump to repair America’s strained ties with India and reverse policies they describe as harmful to both nations’ economies.

Supporters of the resolution argue that the president’s use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs circumvents Congress and generates uncertainty for businesses, workers, and investors on both sides of the trade relationship. Terminating the India tariffs, they assert, is part of a broader effort to restore predictability and legislative oversight in US trade policy while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

By pushing for the resolution, the lawmakers aim to end the punitive trade measures, protect American consumers and workers, and reset the strategic and economic dialogue with India to ensure a stable and constructive bilateral relationship.

The proposed resolution marks a significant move by the House Democrats to curb executive overreach in trade policy and underscores the importance of India as a critical partner in both economic and strategic spheres.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)