US Tariff Cut Boosts Kanpur Leather, Footwear Exports: A New Era of Trade Hope

• US tariff rates on Indian products have been significantly reduced from 50% to 18%, bringing relief to exporters.
• The previous 50% tariff, including a 25% penalty, made Indian goods uncompetitive, halting exports from UP and Kanpur.
• Exporters, especially in leather, footwear, textiles, and apparel, are now reactivating pending orders and contacting US counterparts.
• Uttar Pradesh's exports to the US were INR 36,000 crore in 2024-25, with Kanpur contributing INR 2,500 crore.
• PM Narendra Modi's leadership is credited for this decision, making Indian products more competitive than those from Southeast Asian countries.

Why It Matters: Reduced US tariffs from 50% to 18% reignite hope for Kanpur's leather and footwear exporters.