The United States is set to implement reciprocal tariffs on countries worldwide starting Wednesday, April 2, stirring global discussions. Amidst the news, President Donald Trump announced that India would be reducing its tariffs substantially from April 2, in line with the new tariffs on other countries commencing that Wednesday.
In response to a question in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump stated, "I believe many will reduce their tariffs as they've been imposing unfair tariffs on the United States for years. For instance, the European Union has already decreased their car tariffs to 2.5 percent, announced just days ago. This is a very small tariff. The United States, in turn, has imposed very little tariffs on these nations."
Trump continued, "I recently heard that India is going to make a substantial cut in its tariffs. I questioned why this wasn't done much earlier. I believe many countries are poised to reduce their tariffs."
India's High Tariffs on Agricultural Products
Just hours before Trump's comments, the White House stated that India imposes a 100 percent tariff on American agricultural products. It highlighted that high tariffs imposed by other countries have made it virtually impossible to import American goods into these nations.
White House Press Secretary Carolina Levitt on Monday remarked, "Unfortunately, these nations have been exploiting us for a long time, and I believe they've made their disdain for American workers very clear."
Countries Imposing Hefty Tariffs
Levitt continued, "If you look at unfair trade practices, we face a 50 percent tariff from the European Union on American dairy products. Japan imposes a 700 percent tariff on American rice. India levies a 100 percent tariff on American agricultural products. Canada imposes nearly a 300 percent tariff on American butter and cheese."
She added, "These tariffs make importing American products into these markets nearly impossible and have driven many Americans out of business and employment over the past decades."
She concluded, "It's time for the United States to take action and do what's right for the American people. The era of reciprocal tariffs is upon us, set to commence on Wednesday."
Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 2
Trump confirmed that reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing tariffs on American goods will be effective from April 2. Earlier this month, he noted that while current tariffs are temporary and small, major reciprocal tariffs would be established starting April 2. These measures are set to be transformational for our nation.
Levitt did not clarify the specific nature or targeted countries of the tariffs, stating, "I will leave it to the President to announce on Wednesday, but this will ensure reciprocity and fairness for the American people."
She highlighted that Trump is surrounded by an excellent team of trade advisors, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer, White House Assistant Peter Navarro, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. Vice President J.D. Vance has also been involved in these discussions.
She asserted, "This team has presented a comprehensive plan to the President on executing this. The President will decide, and we won't disclose any details before his official announcement."
