With tariffs pushing up prices and lower-cost inventories dwindling, importers are bracing for the reality of paying more. As India faces steep US tariffs, buyers are looking to alternative suppliers – such as Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam. Despite steady demand, its historical output of around 200,000 tonnes cannot suddenly be increased by 50 percent to cover US shortfalls. Instead, panellists suggested that importers will rely on “blended costs,” sourcing from multiple countries to average out tariffs and prices. India, while facing reduced access to the US, is expected to redirect some supply to alternative markets such as China.