Meerut, Sept. 16 -- Uttar Pradesh's famed "Brass City" Moradabad is facing an unprecedented crisis. The 50% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian goods, in retaliation for India's oil purchases from Russia, has brought the city's thriving brass export industry to a standstill. The tariffs, which doubled from an initial 25% levy introduced earlier in August, have led to the cancellation or suspension of orders worth nearly Rs.2,000 crore, according to industry insiders. With nearly 75% of Moradabad's Rs.10,000 crore annual exports heading to the United States, the impact is devastating.

Over 500,000 livelihoods, including skilled artisans, small-scale manufacturers, and labourers, are now at risk, and several small indus...