White House Targets India’s 100% Tariffs, Calls for Trade Reciprocity

With reciprocal tariffs set to take effect from April 2, the White House has criticized India for imposing “unfair” trade barriers on American goods, claiming they severely impact US exporters.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt specifically pointed out India’s 100% tariff on American agricultural products, making it “virtually impossible” for US goods to penetrate certain foreign markets.

“These countries have been taking advantage of the United States for far too long,” Leavitt said, as quoted by PTI, emphasizing that such policies have harmed American businesses and workers.

“Time for Reciprocity” – US Signals Tougher Trade Policies

As part of a broader effort to level the playing field, President Donald Trump is set to implement historic changes in trade policy, ensuring that nations imposing high tariffs on US goods face equal retaliatory measures.

“Look at the unfair trade practices – the European Union imposes a 50% tariff on American dairy, Japan taxes American rice at 700%, and Canada slaps nearly 300% tariffs on American butter and cheese. India’s 100% tariff on American agricultural products is just another example,” Leavitt explained.

She further stressed that such excessive tariffs push US businesses to the brink, making it nearly impossible for them to compete globally. To support her claims, she displayed a comparative chart illustrating high import duties levied by India, Japan, and other trade partners.

April 2 Tariffs: A “Game-Changer” in US Trade Policy

Trump had previously described current tariffs as “temporary” and “small”, but has assured that the April 2 reciprocal tariffs would be a major shift in US trade relations.

In February, he had remarked, “No more, no less. If they charge us a tax or tariff, we will charge the exact same amount in return. Nobody really knows the exact figures—you have to look at each country individually.”

Although Leavitt did not reveal specific tariff figures, she confirmed that Trump’s trade advisors have finalized an action plan, which would be rolled out shortly to ensure fair treatment of US businesses in global markets.

“The President will announce these measures on Wednesday,” Leavitt concluded, hinting at a bold new approach that could redefine the US’s trade stance with countries like India.