Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by Sandeep
White House takes aim at India, Canada, and Japan over high tariffs as Trump vows tougher trade policies.
New Delhi, March 13: US President Donald Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have launched fresh criticism against India, Canada, and Japan, calling their tariff policies unfair and threatening stronger retaliatory measures.
During a White House press briefing, Leavitt singled out India’s 150% tariff on American alcohol and 100% tariff on agricultural imports, arguing that such policies hurt US businesses, particularly exporters of Kentucky bourbon and farm products.
“I have a handy dandy chart here that shows the tariff rates across the board. India imposes a 150% tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that’s helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don’t think so,” said Leavitt.
She further highlighted Japan’s 700% tariff on imported rice and accused Canada of “ripping off” America for decades through protectionist trade policies.
Trump’s Trade War Warning: ‘We’re Going to Get It Back’
Trump has repeatedly signaled a tougher stance on global trade, vowing that the US will fight back against nations imposing high tariffs on American goods.
🔹 In his recent remarks, Trump stated:
“For years, globalists have been ripping off the United States. They’ve been taking money away from America, and all we’re doing is getting some of it back. This country has been ripped off from every nation in the world. We’ve been ripped off at levels never seen before, and what we’re going to do is get it back.”
🔹 On India’s trade barriers, Trump claimed:
“India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can’t even sell anything in India… But they have agreed to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”
🔹 Trump has already imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing border security and economic concerns. He warned that more tariffs could be on the way as part of his administration’s push for “reciprocity” in trade practices.
Tariffs: The Growing Trade Battle Between US & India
✔ India has long maintained high tariffs on foreign liquor, agriculture, and automotive imports, citing the need to protect its domestic industries.
✔ In 2023, the US and India engaged in negotiations on lowering trade barriers, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on select products, including almonds, apples, and medical devices.
✔ However, Trump’s recent attacks on India’s tariff policies signal renewed tensions, particularly as the US prepares for the next phase of its trade war strategy.
✔ With India-US relations growing strategically strong, experts believe this trade dispute could be a key test for future economic cooperation.
The Road Ahead: Trade Talks or Trade War?
The Trump administration’s aggressive trade stance raises questions about the future of India-US trade relations. While India has signaled a willingness to lower some tariffs, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s hardline rhetoric will lead to deeper economic friction or diplomatic negotiations.
With elections approaching in both nations, the outcome of these tariff battles could significantly shape global trade dynamics.
Will India ease its tariffs further, or will this spark another trade standoff with Washington?
Tags:
Donald Trump, India Tariffs, US-India Trade War, Global Trade Policies, Kentucky Bourbon, Agricultural Exports, Japan Tariffs, Canada-US Trade, White House, Karoline Leavitt, Reciprocal Tariffs, Protectionism, Economic Policy
