US Tariffs Pose Major Threat to Kerala’s Traditional Industries, Warns FM Balagopal

By A Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s traditional export industries are facing a serious challenge as new penalty tariffs imposed by the United States threaten to disrupt trade, reduce revenues, and impact thousands of workers, Finance Minister Balagopal warned on Monday.

Addressing the situation, Balagopal highlighted the potential consequences for the state’s economy, noting that these tariffs could particularly affect sectors that have long been the backbone of Kerala’s exports. “The new US tariffs could slash revenues, disrupt supply chains, and throw thousands of workers—many of them women—out of jobs,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The Finance Minister noted that several of Kerala’s traditional industries, including handicrafts, coir products, spices, and seafood exports, depend heavily on the US market. Officials indicated that disruptions could not only impact revenue generation but also undermine the livelihoods of small-scale producers and artisans who form the core workforce in these sectors.