New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- India's merchandise trade deficit touched $27.35 billion in July as exporters braced for Trump's trade offensive with additional duties set to kick in on 27 August.

Merchandise exports were $37.24 billion in July, while imports reached $64.59 billion, provisional data from the commerce ministry showed on Thursday.

Indian exporters could be among the hardest hit if US President Donald Trump's proposed additional 25% tariff hike on Indian goods take effect this month, unless a breakthrough is reached during the ongoing 21-day negotiation window.

About half of India's exports to the US could be affected, especially from labour-intensive sectors like garments, leather, and gems and jewellery, according to Madan Sabnav...