US tariff cut to 18 per cent to boost Indian rice exports: Exporters
Kolkata (PTI): The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) on Tuesday expressed optimism over a proposed reduction in United States import tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, down from the earlier 25 per cent.
The federation expects this move to restore price parity with competing nations and significantly boost shipment volumes.
According to IREF National President Prem Garg, the revised tariff structure would place India on a par with competitors like Thailand and Pakistan, which currently face duties of approximately 19 per cent.
"The move to lower tariffs from the earlier 25 per cent to 18 per cent is a significant victory for price parity. This effectively neutralised the duty disadvantage we faced against competitors like Thailand and Pakistan.
" Indian rice can now compete on a level playing field in one of our most high-value markets," exporter RiceVilla Group's CEO Suraj Agarwal said.
The industry is also hopeful that a potential penalty related to India's purchase of Russian oil be waived by US authorities.
"The federation welcomes this move, as tariff parity is expected to translate into improved competitiveness and stronger demand in key markets," Garg said.
He said the development comes as India enters the season with a record rice production of approximately 149 million metric tonnes. The IREF noted that Indian agri-products have shown remarkable resilience; for instance, rice exports to the US rose even when duties were previously hiked from 10 per cent to 50 per cent.
From April to November 2025, Basmati exports reached 1,99,558 tonnes valued at Rs 1,749.17 crore, while non-basmati shipments stood at 40,960 tonnes, worth Rs 284.12 crore.
The IREF further clarified that it does not anticipate disruptions in trade with Iran, despite questions regarding additional tariffs linked to that corridor. "Based on current visibility, IREF expects continuity in export flows," a statement said.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
