Patna: Bihar’s exporters are facing fresh uncertainty after the announcement of a new US tariff, which could affect annual exports worth around Rs 250 crore. The move is likely to hit more than two dozen items, including makhana, litchi, turmeric, Jardalu mango, Bhagalpuri silk, handloom products and Madhubani paintings.
The biggest blow is expected to fall on makhana. Bihar produces more than 80% of India’s supply, with around 600 tonnes exported each year. Nearly a quarter of that goes to the United States. Exporters fear that higher prices caused by the tariff will reduce orders by as much as 30%.
The impact will also be felt on cultural products. “A large quantity of Mithila paintings, Manjusha art and contemporary works are shipped to the US,” said Ashok Kumar Sinha, former director of the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Sansthan. He noted that around Rs 50 lakh to 1 crore worth of art materials are exported annually from Bihar.
Industry leaders, however, believe the overall damage may be contained. “The share of exports from Bihar is limited, and our products are in demand elsewhere,” said KPS Kesari, president of the Bihar Industries Association. But others sounded more cautious. “This will make Indian goods more expensive in America and reduce demand. Exporters will need to look for alternatives,” warned PK Agarwal, former president of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Makhana exporter Satyajit Singh insisted that strong global demand would soften the blow. “Production is already lower than demand. If orders from the US decline, we will divert supplies to other markets,” he said.
With turmeric now being exported from Bihta Dry Port and niche handicrafts gaining visibility in international markets, Bihar’s traders are looking to diversify quickly. But for many, the immediate challenge is to shield their products from the fallout of America’s protectionist push.
