White House warns India: ‘Time for reciprocity’ Over 100% tariffs before ‘Liberation Day’

The White House has called out India for its high tariffs on American goods, signaling a major shift in US trade policy. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized India’s 100% tariff on American agricultural products, calling it “unfair” and harmful to US exporters.

“These countries have been ripping off our nation for too long,” Leavitt said. She accused nations like India, Japan, and Canada of imposing excessive tariffs that restrict US products in global markets. Leavitt cited Japan’s 700% tariff on American rice, Canada’s 300% tariff on butter and cheese, and India’s 100% tariff on agricultural goods.

“It’s time for reciprocity,” she declared, confirming that President Trump will introduce new tariffs on Wednesday.

Leavitt highlighted how these high tariffs have pushed US businesses to the brink. To illustrate the impact, she presented a chart comparing tariff rates imposed by different nations, with a sharp focus on India’s levies.

President Trump has long criticized these trade imbalances. He previously described the existing tariffs as “temporary” and “small,” but he insists that the new reciprocal tariffs starting April 2 will be a “game-changer.”

“No more, no less,” Trump had said in February. “They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge the exact same tax or tariff.”

While Leavitt did not reveal specifics, she assured reporters that Trump’s trade advisors had finalized plans. She emphasized that these measures would ensure fair treatment for American businesses and put reciprocity at the heart of trade policies.

“The President will make the announcement on Wednesday,” she concluded, signaling a major shift in US trade strategy.