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Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk and Import Surge Monitoring Measures launched by DGFT
DGFT Launches Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk
Context: In response to evolving global trade dynamics—marked by tariff shifts, import surges, and export challenges—the Department of Commerce and DGFT has launched a dedicated Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk, inviting exporters and importers to share inputs and suggest policy interventions to address these challenges.
Background
- The world is witnessing escalating global trade tensions, particularly following reciprocal tariff escalations between the United States and China.
- The US has imposed cumulative tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese products, while China has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on American goods.
- These developments have triggered concerns of trade diversion, merchandise dumping, and import surges into third countries like India.
Key Concerns for India
- Risk of Trade Diversion and Import Surge
- India fears a significant surge in imports of US agricultural products and Chinese factory goods due to the ongoing US-China tariff war.
- Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal may be used as transshipment points to route Chinese goods into India, avoiding direct scrutiny.
- A recent government assessment pointed to the high risk of merchandise dumping, with exporters diverting goods away from high-tariff destinations like the US into India.
- Impact on Domestic Industries
- Export Promotion Councils and industry associations have raised red flags over rising imports:
- The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) has flagged duty-free edible oil imports from Nepal under SAFTA.
- The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED) has sought safeguard duties on 12 key medical devices due to rising imports, especially from China, Germany, Singapore, USA, and the Netherlands.
- Export Promotion Councils and industry associations have raised red flags over rising imports:
Institutional Response: Monitoring and Remedial Mechanisms
- Launch of the Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk (April 11, 2025)
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched a dedicated Helpdesk to assist exporters and importers in navigating the emerging trade landscape.
- The Helpdesk addresses issues related to:
- Import Surges or Dumping
- EXIM Clearances
- Logistics and Supply Chain Bottlenecks
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues
- Financial or Banking Challenges
- Stakeholders can raise concerns through: The DGFT website , Email (Subject: Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk) and Toll-Free Number: 1800-111-550
- Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Import Surge Monitoring Committee
- A high-level Import Surge Monitoring Committee has been established, headed by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.
- It includes officials from:
- Ministry of Commerce
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- This group:
- Monitors weekly and monthly trade trends by commodity and country.
- Tracks possible transshipment routes and unusual import surges.
- Recommends anti-dumping or safeguard duties when necessary.
- Engages in inter-ministerial consultations for swift action.
- Trade Remedy Investigations
- The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) completed 13 investigations in March 2025 alone, targeting imports from countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, and the EU.
- These investigations support India’s strategy of protecting domestic manufacturers from unfair trade practices.
Potential Gains and Strategic Trade Negotiations
- India as a Beneficiary of US Tariffs on Chinese E-commerce
- The US decision to impose 120% duty on Chinese e-commerce shipments under $800 (effective May 2) opens new opportunities for India.
- India, with over 100,000 online sellers and $5 billion in exports, stands to fill the gap in categories such as:
- Handicrafts
- Home décor
- Fashion products
- India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) Negotiations
- The BTA talks with the US are progressing positively, aiming to conclude by Fall 2025 (September–October).
- Sector-specific discussions have already begun.
- Goal: Boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
- The Commerce Secretary highlighted that tariff advantage relative to competitors can create export opportunities for India.
Forward Path and Way Ahead
- India is adopting a proactive and structured approach to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities:
- Monitoring real-time trade trends.
- Engaging with industry stakeholders and export promotion councils.
- Implementing remedial trade measures where required.
- The Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk and Import Surge Monitoring Committee will play a key role in ensuring India’s trade stability amid global turbulence.
