Chandigarh, Aug. 2 -- The 25% tariff announced by US President Donald Trump has come as a big blow to Punjab's exporters, many of whom depend heavily on the American market to run their businesses.

With the new import duty set to take effect from August 7, industrialists say buyers may stop placing new orders and shift to countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey where goods will be cheaper due to lower tariffs.

It is also expected to make importers hold back on placing new orders, say industrialists.

Industries in Punjab export yarn, textiles, hand tools, agri and tractor parts to the US, among other products.

"The tariffs announced by the US President are not just disappointing but very worrying," said Amit Thapar of G...