Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs: White House Confirms No Exemptions, Slams India, EU for “Unfair Trade Practices”

White House outlines massive tariff imbalances—100% from India on US agriculture, 50% from EU on dairy—as Trump prepares sweeping reciprocal tariffs set to be announced April 2.

April 1, 2025: Washington, D.C. – The White House on Monday confirmed that no country will be exempt from President Donald Trump’s upcoming “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs, set to be announced on April 2. In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said these measures are a response to decades of unfair trade practices targeting American producers.

Also Read: Swiggy Support Executive Reveals Customer Tier System and Exclusive Perks for ‘High Value’ Users

Leavitt, holding a chart of global tariff disparities, declared,

“It’s time for reciprocity. The goal is to implement country-based and sector-specific tariffs to level the playing field for American workers.”

Global Tariff Imbalances Highlighted

The White House cited steep foreign tariffs on American products, including:

Also Read: Indian Stock Market Today: 10 Key Global Cues to Watch as Nifty Eyes Gap-Down Open Amid Tariff Worries

India: 100% on U.S. agricultural goods
European Union: 50% on American dairy products
Japan: 700% on American rice
Canada: Nearly 300% on butter and cheese (via supply management quotas)

“These protectionist policies make it nearly impossible for U.S. products to enter these markets,” Leavitt said. “For far too long, these countries have hurt American businesses and workers while benefiting unfairly.”

What the Tariffs Aim to Achieve

Trump’s proposed tariffs are designed to match foreign rates on a product-by-product basis, effectively retaliating against tariffs and non-tariff barriers that Washington argues have disadvantaged U.S. exporters.

Also Read: Wall Street Falls as Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Sparks Tariff Fears; Nasdaq Drops Over 1.7%

This includes:

Regulatory delays (e.g., EU’s GMO approvals)
Food safety or pesticide restrictions
Environmental mandates (e.g., EU’s plastic recycling rules)
Public procurement limits
VAT rebate systems (e.g., in China, UAE, Mexico)

USTR Releases Annual Trade Barriers Report

In parallel, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, a 397-page document detailing technical and regulatory trade barriers imposed by foreign governments.

Key highlights:

Canada’s dairy sector quotas: Tariffs up to 298%
China’s VAT rebate system: Criticized as an export subsidy
EU’s sustainability rules: Seen as potential hidden trade barriers
VAT-based trade burdens: Flagged in Argentina, Mexico, UAE

“No American president in modern history has called out these non-reciprocal trade practices as clearly as President Trump,” said USTR’s Jamieson Greer.

Geopolitical & Economic Fallout Looms

With India and the EU among the top targets, the announcement risks escalating global trade tensions, just as global markets are already reacting nervously to the potential tariff war.

While Trump’s move may appeal to domestic voters focused on industrial revival, economists warn of retaliatory tariffs that could impact U.S. exporters—especially in agriculture, tech, and manufacturing.

Tags:

Trump Liberation Day tariffs, India US trade war, US tariffs on India 2025, EU US trade dispute, Trump reciprocal tariffs, Karoline Leavitt trade announcement, US agricultural exports, National Trade Estimate 2025, US trade barriers report, Trump tariffs April 2, 2025 US foreign policy, WTO tariff dispute

Misha Bhatia