US Tariff Shift to Section 122 Boosts Asian Markets; India Named Key Beneficiary

The US government is transitioning its trade policy from reciprocal tariffs under IEEPA to a flat surcharge under Section 122. According to ING analysts, this shift provides significant relief across Asia, with India identified as a primary beneficiary of the reset. The removal of IEEPA surcharges is expected to substantially lower India's effective tariff burden, enhancing its export competitiveness. Furthermore, this tariff relief is anticipated to provide crucial support for India's ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. Deepali Bhargava of ING suggests that the new framework offers a more predictable environment for regional economies compared to previous emergency powers. Market participants expect this policy change to bolster Asian currencies and improve the outlook for export-driven growth in the region.