Patna : Farmers and exporters in Bihar are facing growing anxiety over a fresh round of tariffs imposed by former US president Donald Trump, which could threaten the export of key agricultural and artisanal products from the region.
Industry experts have warned that the duties – part of a wider retaliatory trade policy – may deal a blow to the export of makhana (fox nuts), litchi, mango and turmeric, staples of Bihar’s agricultural economy that have increasingly found markets in the United States.
Satyajit Singh, a makhana exporter and member of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, said around 600 tonnes of makhana are shipped to the US annually. “The new tariffs will raise prices, pushing makhana out of competition with nuts like almonds and walnuts,” he said. “Even though it has built a loyal base among health-conscious consumers in the US, a price hike could drive down demand.”
He added that Indian exporters may be forced to absorb costs or pivot towards alternative markets.
Rakesh Kumar, of Bihta Dryport, echoed the concern, noting that consignments of makhana and turmeric are already en route to the US this year. “Litchi and mango exports pick up during the summer season,” he said. “But with higher prices in the US, we expect a dip in demand and, consequently, in exports.”
The tariffs come at a particularly sensitive time for Bihar’s agricultural exporters. Ajay Gupta, president of the Bihar State Business Association, said efforts are under way to build a cold supply chain to support the export of seasonal fruits such as Muzaffarpur litchis and Malda and Jardalu mangoes. “We’re still in the initial phase of establishing reliable infrastructure between local producers and US buyers,” he said. “A disruption now will raise costs across the board and risk derailing the momentum.”
Beyond agriculture, Bihar’s small but growing market for traditional arts may also be affected. Kamal Nopani, national vice-president of the Confederation of All India Traders, pointed out that exports of handcrafted Madhubani paintings, Sikki crafts and Kohbar artworks – though limited – have begun to gain a foothold in the US. “Any increase in duty could further marginalise these artisans, who already operate on tight margins,” he said.
