Trump unleashes tariff blitz over Iran, India, and beef imports

10.02.2026

In a major reshaping of U.S. trade policy, the White House has unleashed a series of high-stakes executive actions that are sending shockwaves through the global logistics community. Dubbed the "Tariff Friday" blitz, President Trump signed multiple orders on February 6, 2026, targeting trade with Iran, finalizing a historic deal with India, and making a tactical move to lower the cost of American ground beef.

For exporters and logistics professionals, these moves signal a new phase of "Maximum Pressure" 2.0 and a pivot toward "Reciprocal Trade" that will redefine shipping routes for the remainder of the year.

The Iran "Secondary Tariff" Threat

The most aggressive move in the blitz is a new Executive Order authorizing 25% tariffs on any country that continues to trade with Iran.

  • The Scope: Unlike traditional sanctions, this "secondary tariff" targets the products of third-party nations, including major trading partners like China, Turkey, and Germany-if they directly or indirectly acquire goods or services from Iran.

  • The Goal: The administration is using the U.S. market as leverage to force a total global decoupling from the Iranian economy.

  • Logistics Impact: Carriers and freight forwarders must now exercise extreme "Know Your Customer" (KYC) diligence to ensure cargo doesn't originate from or have links to Iranian entities, or risk a massive duty hike at the U.S. border.

The India Trade Deal: From Penalty to Partnership

In a classic "carrot and stick" maneuver, the President also announced a major breakthrough with New Delhi. After months of tension over India’s purchase of Russian oil, the two nations have reached an Interim Trade Agreement.

  • The Rollback: The U.S. has officially removed the additional 25% tariff previously imposed on Indian goods.

  • The New Rate: Reciprocal tariffs on most Indian products will be lowered to 18%, giving Indian exporters a significant edge over regional competitors.

  • The Quid Pro Quo: In exchange, India has committed to a massive $500 billion purchase of American energy, aircraft, and technology over the next five years, while halting its imports of Russian oil.

  • Logistics Impact: Expect a surge in volume on the India-U.S. lane, particularly in textiles, organic chemicals, and automotive parts, as the new 18% rate takes effect

The "Beef" with Inflation: Argentina Quota Boost

To combat record-high grocery prices—with ground beef averaging $6.69 per pound-the President signed a proclamation to flood the U.S. market with more affordable supply.

 

  • The Action: The administration is temporarily quadrupling the import quota for lean beef trimmings from Argentina. An additional 80,000 metric tons will now be allowed to enter the U.S. tariff-free throughout 2026.

  • The Context: This move comes as the U.S. cattle herd has hit a record low due to persistent droughts and screwworm-related restrictions on Mexican cattle imports.

  • Logistics Impact: Cold-chain logistics providers will see a significant uptick in South American beef shipments, starting with the first 20,000-ton tranche on February 13