Citing a “national emergency” due to trade deficits, the US will impose a baseline 10% tariff, with higher, country-specific tariffs for India, China, and EU. Trump stated he told PM Modi directly about the trade imbalance.
BY PC Bureau
In a dramatic move aimed at redressing what he perceives as unfair trade practices, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of significant “reciprocal tariffs” on India, China, and key allies including the European Union and the United Kingdom. Declaring April 2nd “Liberation Day” for American industries, the President asserted that these tariffs are a necessary step to reclaim lost jobs and revitalize the U.S. economy.
The President unveiled import duties of 26 percent on India and 34 percent on China, characterizing them as “discounted reciprocal tariffs.” He argued that the U.S. is being “kind” by charging only “half of what they charge us.”
Specifically addressing trade relations with India, President Trump described New Delhi’s tariffs as “very very tough.” He recounted a recent conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Their Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) just left (U.S. recently)…he is a great friend of mine, but I said to him that ‘you’re a friend of mine, but you’ve not been treating us right’. India charges us 52 percent, so we will charge them half of that – 26 percent.”
The President also announced tariffs of 20 percent on imports from the European Union, 10 percent from the United Kingdom, and 24 percent on goods from Japan. These levies, he stated, are in response to what he views as long-standing trade imbalances.
The White House clarified that these country-specific tariffs would be implemented in addition to a “baseline” import duty of 10 percent on all products entering the United States. However, detailed information regarding the sector-wise application of these tariffs was not immediately provided.
USA imposes 26% tariff on india on all goods incl gold and diamond of Surat, Electronics and Textile of Tamil Nadu, pharma of Hyderabad/Pune. India should not budge on Agricultural trade. We are not a dumping ground of unhealthy US GMO produce, industrial meats, dairy..etc 2/3 pic.twitter.com/oR1P9xjJuc
— Tamil Nadu Geography (@TNGeography) April 2, 2025
The announcement, delivered to cheering attendees at the White House Rose Garden, saw President Trump declare, “For far too long, other countries have looted and plundered us, while taking advantage of our policies. But no longer. April 2nd will forever be known as Liberation Day – when America reclaimed its industries. We will now impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that tariff us – Reciprocal means we do to them, what they do to us, as simple as that.”
“By doing this we will reclaim our jobs, we will reclaim our industry, we will reclaim our small and medium scale businesses…and we will make America wealthy again. Jobs will come roaring into America now,” he added, emphasizing the potential for domestic economic resurgence.
The White House subsequently informed reporters that a “national emergency” stemming from security concerns related to persistent trade deficits had necessitated the implementation of these tariffs. The “baseline” 10 percent tariff will take effect at 12:01 am local time on April 5th (9:30 am IST), while the higher, country-specific tariffs will be implemented from 12:01 am local time on April 9th (9:30 am IST).
USA imposes 26% tariff on india on all goods incl gold and diamond of Surat, Electronics and Textile of Tamil Nadu, pharma of Hyderabad/Pune. India should not budge on Agricultural trade. We are not a dumping ground of unhealthy US GMO produce, industrial meats, dairy..etc 2/3 pic.twitter.com/oR1P9xjJuc
— Tamil Nadu Geography (@TNGeography) April 2, 2025
“PM is my friend but:”
President Trump reiterated his friendly relationship with Indian Prime Minister Modi while addressing trade discrepancies. “You’ve not been treating us right,” he recalled telling PM Modi regarding India’s high import duties. “India charges us 52 percent, so we will charge them half of that – 26 percent.”
While acknowledging the “very very tough” nature of India’s tariffs, the President emphasized that the U.S. is adopting a “fair” approach by charging only half of the imposed duties. “America will charge other countries only half of what they charge us,” he stated.
The White House released a list of “discounted reciprocal tariffs” that includes: China (34 percent), European Union (20 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), Taiwan (32 percent), Japan (24 percent), India (26 percent), United Kingdom (10 percent), Bangladesh (37 percent), Pakistan (29 percent), Sri Lanka (44 percent), and Israel (17 percent). This announcement signals a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, with potentially far-reaching implications for global commerce and international relations.
