Trump’s 50% Tariff Threatens India’s Manufacturing Ambitions (1)

India’s largest shoemaker Farida Group had already staked out the land — a 150-acre plot in southern Tamil Nadu — for a sprawling new export facility. Then came the blow from Washington: President Donald Trump announced he was doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50%.

For Farida, which supplies brands like Cole Haan and Clarks and depends on the US for about 60% of its business, the impact was immediate. New orders stopped. The 10 billion rupee ($114 million) project froze.

Production of shoes at a Farida Group factory in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, India.

Source: Farida Group

“With 25% tariffs, you can still work, you can give some discount, negotiate with the buyer and make ...