President Trump criticized India’s high tariffs, stating they make selling goods difficult. He claims India agreed to reduce these tariffs as a result of raised awareness. His remarks highlight the ongoing trade deficit between the U.S. and India, despite significant trade relations.
On Friday, United States President Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on India’s trade tariffs, stating that the country imposes “massive tariffs,” making it extremely difficult to sell products there. He claimed that India has agreed to reduce these tariffs, attributing this change to the exposure of their trade practices. Trump emphasized the unfairness of India’s tariffs during a press conference at the White House, stating that they have actually hindered sales in the Indian market.
President Trump has long criticized India for its high tariffs since assuming office on January 20. In a recent address to Congress, he described these tariffs as “very unfair,” highlighting that other countries, including India, have historically levied higher tariffs on American goods compared to what the U.S. imposes on them.
Trump stated, “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 percent,” underlining the steep barriers faced when entering the Indian market. His administration has implemented various tariffs during his tenure, including significant duties on imports from Canada and Mexico. He noted that starting April 2, the U.S. would impose tariffs that mirror those levied by other nations.
During a recent joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump commented on India’s strong tariff policies, implying it creates challenges for U.S. businesses. Despite these barriers, trade between the U.S. and India reached an estimated USD 129.2 billion in 2024, with U.S. exports to India totaling USD 41.8 billion. However, the U.S. maintained a trade deficit with India of USD 45.7 billion, showing a significant increase from the previous year.
In summary, President Trump’s remarks regarding India’s high tariffs underline his administration’s ongoing focus on foreign trade practices. His assertion that India has agreed to lower tariffs reflects a potential shift in trade relations. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to experience a substantial trade deficit with India, indicating that challenges in the trade sphere persist despite diplomatic discussions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com