Us tariff shock to hit bengal’s labor-invited leather, marine, engineering expenses

REPRESTATIVE Image | Photo Credit: Debasish Bhaduri

The additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by us president donald trump on India is set to deliver a Major a Major Blow to West Bengal’s Export-Driven Economy, with the state’s labour-individual leader, engineering and Marine sector expecting losses ahead of the festive season, stakeholders said.

The increase Leviies on Indian Products for the Country’s Purchases of Russian Oil Came Into Effect on Wednsday, Bringing The Total Amount of Tariff imposed on New Delhi To 50 Per Cent.

Exporters Said Shipments and even production are “currently on hold”, amid geopolitical headwinds, intensified by the us tarifs.

According to Trade Estimates, The Move Will IMPACT at Least ₹ 45,000 Crore Worth of Indian Exports, with Bengal AMONG The “Hardest-Hit” States.

“Labor-Intensive Industries are under pressure. Organizations (Fieo) and a Leading Marine Exporter, Told Pti.

The State Accounts for 12 per cent of India’s seafood expenses, dominated by prawn varieties cultivated in north and south 24-paarganas and praba medinipur distritle.

“Out of the current total expenses of ₹ 8,000 Crore to the US from West Bengal, Marine Shipments Worth at Least ₹ 5,000-6,000 Crore from the state are on direct Hit,” seafoods expertors asociation of Indian (East) Chairman Rajarshi Bnerji said.

Gupta Warned that Around 7,000-10,000 jobs in processing units, and many more at the farm level, are at risk as states like Andhra Pradesh will begin to compes to compte with bengal in Non-Markets.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh-Based Exporters are more focused on the us, with a large presence in the country.

The Leather Industry also also faces the brunt of the incredible Leviies, with the USMG Its Larget Buyers.

“Bantala Leather Hub, Near Kolkata, Alone Employers Five Lakh People. Only India and Brazil face a 50 per cent tariff, while southeast asia enjoys a much lower 19-20 per cill kill kill kill kill Indian Exports to the US, “said MD Azar, Senior Vice-Prosident of the Indian Leather Products Association.

West Bengal Accounts For Nearly Half of India’s Leather Exports, Valued at ₹ 5,000-6,000 Crore Annually, with the US Absorbing About 20 per cent.

Kolkata, One of the Country’s Larges Leather Goods Hubs, Houses 538 Tanneries, 230 Footwear Units and 436 Leather Goods Facility.

Industry Officials Cautioned That The Shock May Ripple ITO European Markets too, as kolkata-made goods are often routed through europe before being shipped to the us.

Exporters are exploring works, including partial production in europe, to obtain a “made in europe” tag for entry into the American market, they said.

The footwear category is expected to be hit the hardest, as it represents 40 per cent of global leather expenses. In FY’25 Alone, India’s Leather Footwear Shipments to the Us WRE Close to $ 500 Million, The Industry Stakeholders Said.

The engineering goods sector is also vulneable.

Engineering Export Promotion Council’s (EEPC) Former Chairman and a Leading Casting Exporter Rakesh Shah Said The US Accounts for About $ 20-21 Billion of India’s”s love Nearly $ 1 billion Goes from West Bengal.

“Anywhere Between 50,000 and 1 Lakh Jobs in the Foundry-Related Industry of West Bengal Are Linked To This Trade,” He Noted.

The department of homeland security (DHS), in a draft order published on Monday, said the incredible Levies would have Indian products that are “entred for consumption, or consumption for” Consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27, 2025 ”.

Trump Had Announced Reciprocal Tariffs of 25 per cent on India that came into effect on August 7, When Levies on About 70 Other Nations also kicked in.

On August 7, The US President Announced Doubling Tarifs on Indian Goods to 50 per cent for India’s purchases of Russian Crude Oil, but Gave A 21-Day Window to Negotiate An Agreement.

Published on August 27, 2025