‘MPs will act as your advocates,’ Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assures traders over Trump tariff unease

Amid the growing unease due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff decisions, Union minister of state (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal has assured the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), a national traders’ union, that the Centre remains committed to resolving issues concerning traders and businesses in the country, and to ensure ease of doing business for them.

Speaking at the 44th Foundation Day of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, Meghwal promised the members of the national traders’ union that he stands with them in addressing their concerns related to doing business. 

"I, along with Malhotra Ji, and MPs who are attending the event will act as your advocates," Meghwal said.

Some of the other ministers present at the conference included Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhtora; Members of Parliament Vijay Baghel, Ramesh Awasthi, and Sadhana Singh. The conference was attended by representatives of BUVM from 28 states. 

Malhotra added that given the traders community continues to play a critical role in making India the world's fourth largest economy, there remains scope for further rationalisation of indirect taxes despite it being a huge upgrade from the old regime.

"We will convey your issues to the officials in the finance ministry and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman," Malhotra said. 

Established in 1981, BUVM has advocated for pro-business policy reforms and has raised concerns impacting traders and businesses, including the complexities arising from multiple GST rate slabs and the lack of uniformity in Mandi tax rates across states. The union has also strongly recommended the appointment of a dedicated regulator for the e-commerce sector.

“One of the major pain points has been the multiple GST tax slabs which creates challenges especially for MSMEs and trader community alike. The issue needs to be resolved, and we have written to various government authorities suggesting rationalisation of GST rates into three slabs – 0%, 5% and 18%. We believe if accepted, this will pave the way for higher GDP growth," BUVM President Babu Lal Gupta said.

Gupta added that all food products, irrespective of their weight and packaging must be zero tax slab. Cleaning, grading and sorting machines for foodgrain, pulses and oilseeds, LED lamp, submersible water pump, hardware, stainless steel, toys of up to ₹1000, edible oil, bakery products, solar water heater, ghee, pickle, handicrafts and hotel rooms up to ₹1,000/day should be kept under 5% slab. Only the remaining other products should fall under 18% slab.