U.S. to Impose Higher Tariffs on India, Citing Unfair Trade Practices

 Washington, D.C. – In his first address to a joint session of Congress during his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump forcefully defended his administration’s tariff policies, arguing that the United States has long been subjected to unfair trade practices by multiple nations, including India.

“If you don’t manufacture your product in America under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff—and in some cases, a rather substantial one,” Trump declared. “Other countries have imposed tariffs on us for decades, and now it’s our turn to do the same.”

Targeting High Tariffs on U.S. Goods

During his speech, Trump named several countries that he claimed impose significantly higher tariffs on U.S. goods compared to what the U.S. levies in return. The list included the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada. “Have you heard of them?” Trump quipped, adding, “These nations charge us tremendously high tariffs—far more than what we charge them. It’s very unfair.”

India was singled out for what Trump described as exorbitant duties on American-made automobiles. “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 percent,” he asserted. Similarly, he pointed out that China’s average tariff on U.S. products is double that of the United States’ levy on Chinese goods, while South Korea’s average tariff is four times higher.

Reciprocal Tariffs Set to Take Effect April 2

In response, Trump announced that the United States would implement reciprocal tariffs on multiple nations beginning April 2. Notably, he specified that the rollout would occur on that date instead of April 1 to avoid any association with April Fools’ Day.

“On April 2nd—now, I wanted it to be April 1st, but I didn’t want it to be mistaken for April Fools’ Day—reciprocal tariffs will take effect. Whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them. It will be a back-and-forth,” Trump stated. “If they use non-monetary barriers to keep us out of their markets, we will introduce non-monetary barriers to keep them out of ours.”

The announcement was met with a standing ovation from Trump’s allies in Congress, underscoring the support within his party for his hardline trade policies.

Escalating Trade Tensions

The move follows the U.S. decision earlier this week to proceed with punitive tariffs, including a 25 percent duty on goods from neighboring Canada and Mexico—two of America’s largest trading partners. Additionally, tariffs on Chinese imports were doubled from 10 percent to 20 percent, with the White House citing Beijing’s alleged inaction on fentanyl production as a primary justification.

With these latest measures, the Trump administration is doubling down on its protectionist trade agenda, reinforcing its stance that the United States will no longer tolerate what it perceives as one-sided economic relationships. However, global markets and affected nations will be watching closely to see how these policies impact international trade dynamics in the months ahead.