In his congressional address, President Trump announced that reciprocal tariffs on India and other countries would commence on April 2. He criticized high tariff rates imposed on the U.S., particularly by India, and emphasized fairness in trade relations. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from supporters and is part of broader trade measures against Canada, Mexico, and China.
During a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump articulated his rationale for imposing reciprocal tariffs against several nations, including India. He underscored that the United States has been subjected to high tariff rates by various countries, notably highlighting India’s auto tariffs, which he claimed exceed 100 percent. Trump proclaimed, “If you don’t make your product in America under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one.”
Trump elaborated on his belief that countries such as India, China, and several others have historically charged the U.S. higher tariffs than the United States imposes on them, stating, “It’s very unfair.” He indicated that starting April 2, the United States will initiate reciprocal tariffs, meaning that any tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. goods would be met with equivalent tariffs on those nations’ products.
Moreover, he explained that the tariffs would include non-monetary barriers to counter any non-monetary tariffs these countries might employ to limit U.S. market access. He remarked humorously about the timing of the announcement, stating, “On April 2nd, I wanted to make it April 1st but didn’t want it to be accused of April Fools Day… it’s a lot of money…” His assertions garnered applause from supporters attending the session. This announcement follows the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on goods from neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, along with an increase in tariffs on Chinese products from 10 percent to 20 percent, amid ongoing trade tensions.
In summary, President Trump’s address to Congress outlined his administration’s plan to implement reciprocal tariffs against several countries, specifically mentioning India’s high auto tariffs. He articulated a sense of unfairness regarding the existing global trade landscape, asserting that the U.S. would respond in kind to tariffs imposed by other nations. This approach aims to level the playing field for American products and reinforce national trade interests.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
