Trump's tariffs on India alarm US manufacturers: Former Governor Chris Sununu

UPDATED: Aug 9, 2025 23:40 IST

Former Republican Governor Chris Sununu didn’t hold back when asked about President Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation targeting India.

“The tariffs on India are scaring US manufacturers the most,” he said bluntly on CNBC. “I’m not a manufacturer, but that’s the one I hear is the biggest concern because they’re our ally. This should be the easy one. India is going to be the world player, right?”

Sununu’s warning comes as the White House prepares to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, effective 21 days from August 7. The hike will raise duties on key exports such as textiles, footwear, gems, and jewellery to as high as 50 per cent — a steep rate rarely seen in US trade policy.

The Trump administration points to India’s continued imports of Russian oil as justification. India strongly condemned the move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” with its Ministry of External Affairs accusing the US of “targeting India’s oil imports from Russia” despite New Delhi’s clear stance.

The tariffs threaten nearly 55 per cent of Indian exports to the US, India’s largest export market. Bilateral trade hit a record USD 118.2 billion in FY24.

Sununu emphasised the strategic risk, saying, “If you’re building global alliances, the last thing you do is push away your strongest partner and that’s India.” He noted India’s manufacturing might as the world’s sixth-largest and pointed out, “Many countries are already outsourcing to India right now.”

While Washington hints at possible measures against China, another Russian oil importer, Beijing remains untouched — at least for now. Sununu’s message is clear: “Pick your fights wisely, especially with friends.”

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