Latest news with #USCustomsandBorderProtection
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Two Indians arrested for entering US on foot from Maine border, CBP says, 'The message is clear'
Two Indians were arrested entering the US through Maine border on foot. The US Customs and Border Protection arrested two Indian nationals who illegally crossed the international border on foot earlier this month. Without revealing their details, the CBPO said they will now be prosecuted and deported to India. But it mentioned that the arrests were unique because only 15 Indians have been arrested in the last three years trying to enter the US from Maine. Maine has the longest border with Canada to the east of the Great Lakes. "Border Patrol agents remain vigilant in patrolling the border and using all the tools at their disposal to execute the mission of establishing the most secure border in national history. Maine has recently hired new Border Patrol agents to support this effort," the CBP said. Houlton Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Craig Shepley said the US Border Patrol is experiencing record-breaking low numbers of illegal crossings but some individuals are still doing it. "If you cross our borders illegally you will be apprehended, prosecuted and deported back to your country of origin,' he said. "The message is clear: If you enter the United States illegally, you will be apprehended, and the appropriate consequences will be enforced under the law," the CBP said, adding that illegal aliens should self-deport to avoid being arrested. "Any individual who uses the app and confirms their departure through it will receive a $1,000 stipend," the CBP said. Since the beginning of the fiscal year in October 2024, Border Patrol agents in Maine have arrested 557 people through July.
The Print
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Smartphones, gems, pharma: Which Indian exports will be worst hit by Trump tariffs, which will be spared
Trump had announced last week that Indian goods exported to the US will face tariffs of 25 percent, starting 7 August. On 6 August, the US president imposed a further 25 percent on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. The 6 August tariff rate is set to kick in 21 days later, which will see certain Indian goods facing 50 percent tariffs. In 2024-2025, India exported $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These accounted for a total of 19.77 percent of India's total exports of goods in the 2024-2025 financial year, which stood at $437.5 billion. New Delhi: Electronics, energy products and medicines—together accounting for roughly 30 percent of India's total basket of exports to the US—are all exempted from US President Donald Trump's tariffs. However, textiles, gems and jewellery, and seafood will be most impacted. Trump has taken exception to India's trade surplus with the US. India's imports of goods from the US stood at $45.6 billion in the last financial year. The American president has asserted that India has some of the highest protective tariffs in the world. India's largest exports to the US in 2024-2025 were smartphones (HS code: 8517.13.00) worth $10.56 billion, $4.89 billion worth of diamonds (HS code: 7102.39.10), and $4 billion worth of other retail medicines (HS code: 3004.90.99). These three goods accounted for roughly 19.4 percent of India's overall exports of goods to the country. Smartphones and medicines are both currently exempted from the imposition of additional tariffs by Trump's executive orders, meaning two out of the three largest exports to the US are outside the scope of the duties. Pharmaceutical exports are exempted from the scope of the tariffs due to the Section 232 National Security Investigation being carried out by the US Department of Commerce. Considering the four-digit HS code rather than the eight-digit code for pharmaceuticals (HS code: 3004), India exported roughly $9.49 billion worth of such products that includes all medicaments. Smartphones and other electronic goods were excluded from the Trump tariffs effective 11 April, 2025, according to a notice published by the US Customs and Border Protection. Apart from these, other areas exempted from the new tariffs include 'copper…semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products', according to executive order 14257 unveiled by Trump on 2 April, 2025. Trump's latest executive order announced Wednesday, which would raise tariffs on India to 50 percent (an additional 25 percent due to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil) will come into effect 21 days from 6 August (the date the order was signed), and is set to continue the current exemptions granted by US administration. The reciprocal tariffs and penalties take aim solely at exports of goods, not services. New Delhi and Washington D.C. previously engaged in intense negotiations for a mini-trade deal to reduce additional tariffs, and also a larger bilateral trade agreement, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump during the former's visit to the US in February 2025. However, negotiations for the mini-deal have stalled over the issue of granting greater access to American companies in India's agricultural and dairy sectors. India was willing to make certain concessions in these areas, but those have seemingly fallen short of US' expectations. Also Read: Trump raises India tariffs to 50% over Russian oil purchases, MEA labels action 'unreasonable' Other exempted articles Apart from pharmaceuticals and electronics, other articles exempted from tariffs are highlighted in Annex II of the executive order, while 'all articles that may become subject to duties pursuant to future actions under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962' are also excluded. Trump has taken exception to India's purchase and refining of Russian oil, and exporting these petroleum products to the West. India's fourth largest export to the US in 2024-2025 was other petroleum products (HS code: 2710.12.90), which stood at $3.1 billion. A broader view of the basket of petroleum products under HS code 2710 shows that India exported a total $4.08 billion worth of such products to the country in the last financial year. These exports continue without tariffs due to the exemptions carved out for energy products in Trump's new tariff regime. Semiconductors (HS code: 8541) are largely excluded from the tariffs at present. In the last financial year, India exported roughly $1.14 billion worth of semiconductor products to the US. However, Trump Wednesday indicated the imposition of a potential 100 percent tariff on semiconductor products. But there has been little clarity from the administration on this. Goods most impacted by US tariffs Electronics, pharmaceuticals and even refined petroleum products account for around $24.3 billion of India's total goods exported to the US in the last financial year. However, Indian exports of gems and jewellery, textiles and apparels, and shrimps will be impacted. Chapter 71 of the Harmonised System (HS) codes covers most goods under gems and jewellery. For India, the US is the largest export market for all kinds of gems and jewellery, including precious stones, pearls, diamonds and imitation jewellery. In 2024-2025, the total exports of goods to the US under the umbrella HS code 71 stood at $9.97 billion, while global exports were worth $29.95 billion. The US accounts for roughly 33 percent of India's total global exports of gems and jewellery. The 25 percent tariffs kicking in Thursday will impact this sector in particular, and the additional penalty, which should come into effect in the last week of August. The US is also India's largest market for crustacean fish (shrimps, crabs, prawns etc). In 2024-2025, Indian exporters exported roughly $1.95 billion worth of crustaceans to the country, which accounts for 42.1 percent of New Delhi's total global exports, which stood at $4.63 billion in 2024-2025. The other sector that will be impacted by the tariffs is textiles and apparel. In 2024-2025, India exported $513 million worth of cotton t-shirts to the US (HS code: 6109.10.00), and $736 million worth of toilet linen (HS code: 6302.60.90), which are few examples of goods that will face higher tariffs entering the US, starting Thursday. Roughly $2.1 billion worth of textile goods, including women's jackets, bibs, dresses, skirts and suits (HS code: 6204), and other furnishing articles (HS code: 6304) will face the brunt of the newly imposed tariffs. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Hours after slapping tariffs on India, Trump declares deal with Pakistan to develop oil reserves
India Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
2 Indians held for illegal US entry via rarely used Maine-Canada border
Two Indian nationals were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents after attempting to illegally enter the country near Bridgewater, Maine – a rarely used crossing point – the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Indian nationals illegally crossed the border into Maine from Canada on foot near Bridgewater in Aroostook County last week, Fox 23 of illegal immigrants crossing into Maine are rare, as per the USCBP. Only 15 Indian nationals were caught in Maine over the past three fiscal years, compared to 10,000 apprehended across all U.S. borders between January and May this The names of the persons have not been released."They face prosecution under 8 US Code 1325 and will also be placed into removal proceedings," US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement on border management agency said that 15 Indian Nationals have been apprehended by Maine Border Patrol in the last three fiscal Patrol agents remain vigilant in patrolling the border and using all the tools at their disposal to execute the mission of establishing the most secure border in national history. Maine has recently hired new Border Patrol agents to support this effort, it CROSSINGS HIT RECORD LOWSHoulton Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Craig Shepley issued a stern warning amid record lows in illegal crossings."While the US Border Patrol is experiencing record-breaking low numbers of illegal crossings, some individuals still attempt to violate our laws. If you cross our borders illegally you will be apprehended, prosecuted and deported back to your country of origin," Craig Shepley the US has deported 1,563 Indian nationals since January 20 this year, the day Donald Trump assumed office as President for a second term, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said last shared by the MEA in Parliament earlier showed that the US had deported 6,135 Indians during Trump's first tenure from 2017 to 2021. The highest number of deportations took place in 2019, with 2,042 Indian nationals sent numbers stood at 1,024 in 2017, 1,180 in 2018, and 1,889 in 10,000 INDIANS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT US BORDERS IN 2025Between January and May 2025, more than 10,382 Indian nationals – including 30 unaccompanied minors – were apprehended for illegally entering the was a 70% decrease compared to the same period last year, a decline linked to stricter immigration enforcement under President to US Customs and Border Protection, overall border apprehensions across all nationalities saw a significant decline – from 81,492 in January to 28,617 in February, while it remained over 29,000 in the next three months.- EndsMust Watch
Fashion Network
5 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Developed Nations' highest US tariff takes effect on Switzerland
One of Donald Trump 's highest tariffs is now in effect on Switzerland after the government failed in its last-ditch effort to get the US president to lower the rate. The 39% surcharge on exports – from Swiss-made luxury watches to Nespresso coffee capsules – is the highest among developed countries and compares with just 15% on the neighbouring European Union. The punitive tariff applies to all products loaded onto a vessel for transport to the US after 12:01 a.m. New York time on Thursday — 6:01 a.m. in Zurich — according to guidance issued by US Customs and Border Protection. Pharmaceuticals and gold are so far exempt. It went into force after Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter wasn't able to secure a revised deal before the deadline set by Trump. She took a two-day emergency trip to Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday in an attempt to sway her US counterpart, but failed to meet Trump, instead only talking to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who's department doesn't lead trade negotiations for bilateral deals. The Swiss government plane is scheduled to land in Bern at about 7:20 a.m. local time. The tariff level stunned the Swiss after negotiations that they thought looked promising. But things came to a head late last week when Trump threw out a negotiated framework deal on a call with Keller-Sutter. He was particularly irked by Switzerland's bilateral trade surplus with the US of about $38.5 billion last year. The problem faced by the Swiss president — who also is finance minister — is that any concessions are likely to be politically costly at home without meaningfully curbing the trade gap. Switzerland's key exports include gold, pharmaceuticals, watches and medical devices and the driving forces behind the deficit mean a quick reduction is unlikely. If the 39% rate comes into effect across the board — including on pharmaceuticals — that would put up to 1% of Switzerland's economic output at risk over the medium term, according to Bloomberg Economics. Switzerland is home to pharma giants Novartis AG and Roche Holding AG. Trump has said on Tuesday that he'll announce tariffs on pharmaceutical imports 'within the next week or so,' adding that levies would eventually go to as high as 250%.
Fashion Network
5 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Developed Nations' highest US tariff takes effect on Switzerland
One of Donald Trump 's highest tariffs is now in effect on Switzerland after the government failed in its last-ditch effort to get the US president to lower the rate. The 39% surcharge on exports – from Swiss-made luxury watches to Nespresso coffee capsules – is the highest among developed countries and compares with just 15% on the neighbouring European Union. The punitive tariff applies to all products loaded onto a vessel for transport to the US after 12:01 a.m. New York time on Thursday — 6:01 a.m. in Zurich — according to guidance issued by US Customs and Border Protection. Pharmaceuticals and gold are so far exempt. It went into force after Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter wasn't able to secure a revised deal before the deadline set by Trump. She took a two-day emergency trip to Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday in an attempt to sway her US counterpart, but failed to meet Trump, instead only talking to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who's department doesn't lead trade negotiations for bilateral deals. The Swiss government plane is scheduled to land in Bern at about 7:20 a.m. local time. The tariff level stunned the Swiss after negotiations that they thought looked promising. But things came to a head late last week when Trump threw out a negotiated framework deal on a call with Keller-Sutter. He was particularly irked by Switzerland's bilateral trade surplus with the US of about $38.5 billion last year. The problem faced by the Swiss president — who also is finance minister — is that any concessions are likely to be politically costly at home without meaningfully curbing the trade gap. Switzerland's key exports include gold, pharmaceuticals, watches and medical devices and the driving forces behind the deficit mean a quick reduction is unlikely. If the 39% rate comes into effect across the board — including on pharmaceuticals — that would put up to 1% of Switzerland's economic output at risk over the medium term, according to Bloomberg Economics. Switzerland is home to pharma giants Novartis AG and Roche Holding AG. Trump has said on Tuesday that he'll announce tariffs on pharmaceutical imports 'within the next week or so,' adding that levies would eventually go to as high as 250%.
