Ahead of his April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, US President Donald Trump claims India will significantly lower tariffs on American goods. The White House accuses New Delhi of unfair trade practices.
April 1, 2025: Washington, DC:
Just a day before unveiling his much-anticipated “Liberation Day” tariff plan, US President Donald Trump has claimed that India is preparing to slash its tariffs on American imports “very substantially.”
Also Read: Trump’s Tariffs Target Indian Exports: Liquor, Meat & Sugar Among Worst-Hit Sectors
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said, “I think I heard that India just a little while ago is going to be dropping its tariffs very substantially and I said why didn’t somebody do this a long time ago?”
Trump’s remarks come as global markets brace for the announcement of a sweeping reciprocal tariff regime by the US on April 2 — aimed at targeting countries deemed to be taking “unfair advantage” of American exporters.
Also Read: Trump Declares April 2 as ‘Liberation Day’ With Sweeping Tariffs on Global Trade Partners
🇮🇳 India Called Out Over High Tariffs
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt directly named India among nations “ripping off” the US with excessive trade levies. Citing agricultural products as a key example, she said, “You have 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products,” which she claimed makes it “virtually impossible” for US producers to access Indian markets.
“These countries have shown clear disdain for American workers,” she added, warning that the US President’s upcoming policy will demand “reciprocity.”
Other countries like the European Union, Japan, and Canada were also flagged as potential targets for fresh tariffs.
📆 What is ‘Liberation Day’?
Trump has labeled April 2 as Liberation Day, the date on which his administration will announce the new tariff framework in a major press event at the White House Rose Garden.
According to Leavitt, “Wednesday will mark the beginning of reversing decades of unfair trade practices. The President is putting the American worker first.”
The full US cabinet is expected to attend the announcement, although final specifics of the new tariff structure remain under wraps due to ongoing internal deliberations.
🔍 What This Means for India
India, currently the largest trading partner of the US, may seek to ease tensions through tariff cuts and advance trade talks to avoid economic backlash. Indian officials have not yet confirmed any official commitment to tariff reductions, but ongoing discussions may indicate a move towards compromise.
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