New York/Washington, March 5 – United States President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on India, China, and several other countries, criticizing their high tariffs on American exports as "extremely unfair." The new tariffs, which will take effect on April 2, are intended to match the duties that these countries impose on US goods.
During his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, Trump emphasized that foreign nations have long levied high tariffs on American exports, and now it is time for the US to respond in kind. He specifically named the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada as countries that impose significantly higher tariffs compared to the US. Highlighting India’s trade policies, he pointed out that the country charges over 100 percent tariffs on American automobiles, calling the practice inequitable.
Last month, Trump had signaled his administration’s intention to introduce these tariffs soon, reaffirming his stance during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US. He made it clear that India would not be exempt from the upcoming tariffs and insisted that no one could challenge his stance on trade policies.
Trump also drew attention to China, stating that its average tariff on American goods is twice that of the US. He extended his criticism to South Korea, claiming that its tariffs are four times higher than America’s. Expressing frustration over trade imbalances, he remarked that despite extensive military and strategic support to South Korea, the country continues to levy disproportionate tariffs on American exports.
Addressing trade relations with Canada and Mexico, Trump stated that both countries have benefited from billions of dollars in subsidies from the US, but such practices would no longer continue. He emphasized that the US would no longer provide financial advantages to trading partners that impose unfair restrictions on American goods.
The US President has previously stated that America's trade deficit with India is approximately $100 billion, and he expressed his intent to initiate discussions to address this imbalance. Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington for trade talks with his US counterpart, Howard Lutnick, in an effort to find common ground on economic relations between the two nations.
