New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Exporters of India's food and agricultural products are scrambling to recalibrate their global strategies after the United States unexpectedly slapped steep tariffs on a range of goods, dealing a blow to the country's $50 billion-plus farm shipments.

While industry players view it as a short-term setback, many believe the disruption may ultimately open doors to new markets and realign global trade flows.

"India exports around 2-2.5 lakh tonnes of basmati rice annually to the US. The steep hike in tariffs has come as a surprise to the exporters," said Satish Goel, president, All India Rice Exporters' Association.

Goel added that exporters like him have raised the issue with the ministry of commerce and industry and ...