Chandigarh, Aug. 9 -- The 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration has left Punjab and Haryana basmati growers and exporters deeply worried, fearing a severe impact on aromatic grain exports to the US as neighbouring Pakistan gains a significant competitive advantage.

The punitive tariff rate - among the highest imposed on any US trading partner - stems from Trump's August 7 executive order adding a 25% penalty for India's Russian oil purchases on top of an existing 25% reciprocal tariff, with the combined levy taking effect August 28.

"It's a double whammy," said Ranjit Singh Jossan, vice-president of the basmati exporters association, explaining that India exports nearly 300,000 tonnes (worth $350 million) to the US annually and...