Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Letters to Editor: Trade, Tariffs, Taxes, and Green Initiatives
Readers wrote letters discussing current economic issues.
One letter talks about the impact of US tariffs on Indian exports.
Another questions the fairness of trade policies and the supply of military hardware to Ukraine.
There is a letter about the Green Credit scheme and its goal of planting trees.
Finally, one letter touches on the sensitive subject of bidi taxation, considering the balance between public health and supporting the livelihood of the people who create bidis.
Letters address concerns regarding tariffs' effect on US exports.
Exporters face potential credit problems due to tariff impacts.
The RBI is urged to support exporters with US commitments.
The Green Credit Scheme aims to promote afforestation.
The debate continues over bidi taxation, balancing health with livelihoods.
- Who
- Exporters, RBI, Finance Ministry, Bidi Manufacturers
- What
- Trade policies, tariff impacts, Green Credit scheme and bidi tax debate.
- When
- September 16, 2025 (publication date of the letters)
- Where
- US, India
- Why
- To discuss the economic implications of tariffs, the environment, and taxation.
Public Health Advocates
Bidi Industry Support
Tax Rates
Public Health Advocates
Advocates for equal tax on all tobacco products due to harmful effects.
Bidi Industry Support
Focus on supporting the livelihood of people connected to bidi making.
Livelihood vs. Health
Public Health Advocates
Emphasize on reducing taxes to improve health of the poor.
Bidi Industry Support
Emphasis on balancing the livelihood of bidi workers.
- US Exports
- Year-on-year growth, but potential decline due to tariffs.
- RBI Action
- Requested to offer relief for exporters facing credit issues.
- Green Credit Scheme
- Promotes afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
- Bidi Taxation Debate
- Balancing livelihood with public health through tax policy.
- Tendu Leaves
- Tax reduced from 18% to 5%.