Trump slams India’s 100% auto tariffs, calls for reciprocal action

President Donald Trump defended his tough tariff policy during his first address in a joint session of Congress. He stressed that the US has long faced high tariffs from several countries, including India.

“If you don’t make your product in America under my administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a large one,” Trump said. He argued that other nations have used tariffs against the US for decades, and now it was time for America to do the same.

Calling the situation unfair, Trump listed countries that impose high tariffs on the US. He named the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada. “These nations charge us tremendously high tariffs compared to what we charge them,” he said.

Trump singled out India, stating, “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 percent.” He also pointed out that China’s average tariff on US products was twice what the US charges, while South Korea’s was four times higher.

Announcing a strong response, Trump said the US would impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. He joked that he avoided April 1 to prevent any association with April Fools’ Day. “On April 2, reciprocal tariffs kick in. Whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them. If they use non-monetary tariffs to block us, we will do the same,” he declared.

Trump’s announcement drew a standing ovation from his supporters in Congress. The new tariffs follow the US decision to proceed with a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico, its two major trade partners. The US also doubled tariffs on Chinese goods from 10 percent to 20 percent, citing China’s alleged inaction on fentanyl production.

With these moves, Trump aims to level the playing field and push for fairer trade deals. The impact of these tariffs will unfold in the coming months as affected nations respond.