Tariff Tensions: India Pushes ‘Buy Local’ After Trump Move

A U.S. tariff hike on Indian goods has triggered rallies, boycott calls, and a fresh drive to promote homegrown brands.

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Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

A U.S. tariff hike on Indian goods has triggered rallies, boycott calls, and a fresh drive to promote homegrown brands.

On August 6th U.S. president Donald Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 50% up from 25%, putting India under pressure for buying Russian fossil fuels.

This decision has intensified calls within India to prioritize locally made products and reduce dependence on foreign brands. Multinational companies such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple are facing calls for a boycott, encouraging consumers to choose local alternatives.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a group affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, has organized rallies urging Indians to support homegrown products and promote national self-reliance.

At the same time, business leaders like Manish Chowdhary advocate making “Made in India” a global phenomenon to boost domestic industries.

Despite the boycott campaigns, U.S. brands continue to hold a significant market share among India’s growing middle class and youth, with Tesla recently opening a second showroom in New Delhi. 

Rebeka Kis is a fifth-year law student at the University of Pécs. Her main interests are politics and history, with experience in the EU’s day-to-day activities gained as an intern with the Foundation for a Civic Hungary at the European Parliament.

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