Archive · 16 Jan 2026
US Tariffs Impact India and Taiwan
Shashi Tharoor, an important person in the Indian government, is worried about new rules from the US.
The US has said they will add a 25% extra charge on things that countries buy from them if those countries also do business with Iran.
This is on top of other charges that are already there.
Shashi Tharoor thinks this will make it very hard for Indian companies to sell things to America because the total charge could be as high as 75%.
He is especially worried about things like jewellery, shrimp, and leather.
He hopes that the new US Ambassador will help make a deal to fix this problem.
Meanwhile, the US has also imposed a 25% tariff on certain AI chips and Taiwan has agreed to invest $250 billion in the US in exchange for lower tariffs.
This is part of the US's efforts to bring more semiconductor production to the country.
Shashi Tharoor expressed serious concern over US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff against countries trading with Iran.
He asserted that the total tariff could reach 75%, making it unviable for Indian companies to export to the US.
Tharoor highlighted that India was already at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors like Vietnam, Thailand, and Bangladesh, who had lower tariff rates.
He hoped that the new US Ambassador would play a constructive role in advancing a trade agreement between India and the US.
The affected industries include gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, and leather.
- Who
- Shashi Tharoor, US President Donald Trump, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC)
- What
- US imposes 25% tariff on certain AI chips and countries trading with Iran, Taiwan pledges $250 billion investment in US semiconductors in exchange for lower tariffs
- When
- Comments made on Wednesday, tariff announcement on Monday, trade deal signed on Thursday
- Where
- India, US, Taiwan
- Why
- To protect US semiconductor sector and secure investment, highlight potential negative impact of US tariffs on Indian exports and the need for a constructive role from the new US Ambassador in advancing a trade agreement
- Person
- Shashi Tharoor
- Role
- Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congress MP
- Concern
- US tariffs on countries trading with Iran
- Tariff Rate
- 25%
- Total Tariff Impact
- 75%
- Affected Industries
- Gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather
- Expected Outcome
- Reduced viability of Indian exports to the US
- New US Ambassador's Role
- Expected to advance trade agreement
- US Tariff on AI Chips
- 25%
- Taiwan's Investment in US
- $250 billion
- US Tariff on Taiwanese Goods
- 15% (reduced from 20%)
- TSMC's Investment in Arizona
- Several new factories
