White House Calls for Reciprocity on High Indian Tariffs Ahead of April 2 Deadline
New York/Washington, April 1: The White House has strongly criticized India’s 100% tariff on American agricultural products, asserting that such high levies, along with similar restrictions from other nations, have made it “virtually impossible” for U.S. goods to penetrate foreign markets. The remarks come on the eve of President Donald Trump’s planned rollout of reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2—a day he has termed as “Liberation Day” for American trade.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday emphasized the long-standing trade imbalances faced by the U.S., stating, “Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long, and they’ve made their disdain for American workers quite clear.” She highlighted the high tariffs imposed by various countries, pointing out that the European Union levies a 50% tariff on American dairy, Japan enforces a 700% tariff on American rice, and Canada imposes nearly 300% on U.S. butter and cheese. India, she noted, maintains a steep 100% tariff on American agricultural products.
“These excessive tariffs have systematically blocked U.S. goods from reaching global consumers, leading to the downfall of many American businesses and the loss of countless jobs over the past decades,” Leavitt asserted. To reinforce her point, she presented a chart showcasing tariff structures in key markets, with India’s high levies prominently highlighted in circles bearing the colors of the Indian flag.
Calling for immediate corrective action, she added, “It’s time for reciprocity, and it’s time for a president to make a historic change, to do what’s right for the American people. That moment arrives on Wednesday.”
President Trump, who has repeatedly denounced what he sees as unfair trade practices, has described the upcoming tariffs as a “game-changer” for the U.S. economy. Earlier this month, he indicated that the current duties are merely “temporary” and that the comprehensive, reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April 2 would be far more significant in restoring balance to global trade.
While Leavitt refrained from detailing the exact structure of these tariffs or specifying the countries that will be affected, she confirmed that the administration is fully committed to ensuring fairness in international trade. “I will let the President make the announcement on Wednesday, but it’s certain that we will ensure reciprocity and that the American people are treated fairly,” she stated.
She further underscored the role of Trump’s top trade advisors in shaping the forthcoming policy, naming key figures such as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. Vice President J.D. Vance, she noted, has also been “deeply involved” in these discussions.
“All of these individuals have presented their plans to the President on how to implement this change. It is now his decision to make, and we will not get ahead of him on the specifics of the announcement,” Leavitt concluded.
With tensions rising over global trade policies, all eyes are now on April 2, when the U.S. is expected to unveil its long-anticipated reciprocal tariff measures in response to what it perceives as unfair barriers imposed by other nations.
