Blurb:Helios Capital founder Samir Arora says the revised 15 per cent US tariff does not harm India, adding that the rate is manageable and close to what India would have accepted under a formal trade deal.
Samir Arora, Founder of Helios Capital Management, has said that a 15 per cent tariff imposed by the United States should not be seen as negative for India. In his view, the revised rate actually reduces uncertainty and creates a clearer trade environment.
Writing on X, Arora noted that India would have been satisfied even if a formal trade agreement had fixed tariffs at 18 per cent. Compared to that level, the current 15 per cent rate appears reasonable and relatively favourable. He also pointed out that over 90 countries were earlier subject to a 10 per cent tariff and are now expected to face a 15 per cent rate. Among them are Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Arora further observed that large economies such as Europe, Japan and South Korea have largely returned to their previous tariff positions. He suggested that even if India’s rate eventually increases to 18 per cent under other provisions, it would not represent a major change from earlier expectations. He added that any continuation of the new tariff beyond five months would need approval from the US Congress.
His remarks came after the US Supreme Court invalidated important tariff measures introduced during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. After the judgment, Trump first announced a 10 per cent global tariff and later increased it to 15 per cent. He described the revised tariff as legally sound and said it was intended to safeguard American economic interests.