Washington, December 18 – US President-elect Donald Trump criticized India for imposing high tariffs on certain American products and reiterated his stance on imposing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods. Trump highlighted this issue during a press briefing on Monday, signaling a strong trade policy direction under his administration.
Trump’s Statement on Tariffs
Trump stated, “Generally, if they impose tariffs on us, we will do the same on them. In almost all cases, they are charging us tariffs while we are not charging them.”
He made these remarks while responding to a question about a potential trade agreement with China, further citing India and Brazil as countries levying high duties on American goods.
Speaking at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Trump remarked, “If India charges us 100% tariffs, are we supposed to charge them nothing in return? They send bicycles to us, and we send bicycles to them, but they impose 100-200% tariffs on us. India charges a lot of tariffs. Brazil does too. If they want to impose tariffs on us, fine, but we will impose equally high tariffs on them.”
Support from Commerce Secretary Nominee
Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, emphasized that reciprocity in trade will be a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s trade policies. He stated, “How you treat us is how you can expect to be treated in return.”
Impact on US-India Trade Relations
Trump’s remarks highlight a potential shift in US-India trade relations, particularly in addressing long-standing grievances regarding tariff imbalances. The focus on reciprocity suggests that the upcoming administration may adopt a tougher stance on trade disparities with India and other countries.
Broader Implications
The comments signal Trump’s commitment to a "fair trade" agenda, which has been a key pillar of his policy platform. By addressing issues like tariffs, the administration aims to create a level playing field for American businesses while ensuring mutual benefits in bilateral trade agreements.
India, being a key trading partner of the US, may face heightened scrutiny and renegotiation of trade terms under the Trump administration. The emphasis on reciprocal tariffs could lead to changes in existing trade dynamics, affecting industries that rely on cross-border trade between the two nations.
