With just one day remaining before the United States’ reciprocal tariffs take effect, former President Donald Trump announced that India is set to significantly lower its tariffs on American goods. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that the U.S. has been unfairly targeted by global trade policies. He hailed this development as a major victory, attributing it to his aggressive stance on trade negotiations. “I think I heard that India just a little while ago is going to be dropping its tariffs very substantially, and I said why didn’t somebody do this a long time ago?” Trump remarked, underscoring his belief that previous administrations had failed to take necessary action. He also dismissed concerns that his policies could alienate key U.S. allies or push them closer to China, citing the European Union’s recent reduction of car tariffs as proof that his strategy was working.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further detailed the issue, stating that India had imposed tariffs as high as 100% on American agricultural products, while the European Union, Japan, and Canada had also maintained steep barriers against U.S. goods. “India currently imposes 100 per cent tariffs on American agricultural products. The European Union charges 50 per cent on American dairy, Japan levies 700 per cent on American rice, and Canada imposes nearly 300 per cent on American butter and cheese,” Leavitt stated. She accused these nations of restricting American exports, making it “virtually impossible” for U.S. businesses to compete on a level playing field. She emphasized that the Trump administration’s goal was reciprocity, ensuring that American workers and industries were no longer taken advantage of by foreign governments.
As part of what Trump has dubbed “Liberation Day,” his administration is set to unveil a comprehensive tariff plan on April 2, though details remain uncertain. Leavitt confirmed that the full cabinet would be present for the announcement, which is expected to roll back what Trump has described as decades of “unfair” trade practices. “Wednesday, it will be Liberation Day in America, as President Trump has so proudly dubbed it,” she declared, reinforcing the administration’s view that this move marks a historic shift in global trade policy. While some critics warn that these tariffs could escalate tensions and lead to retaliatory measures, Trump and his supporters insist that these steps are necessary to restore economic balance and protect American jobs. The coming days will reveal the extent of the changes India and other nations are willing to make to avoid further tariff battles with the U.S.
