White House Slams India’s 100% Tariff on US Farm Goods Ahead of April 2 ‘Liberation Day’

The White House has called out India for imposing a 100% tariff on American agricultural products, labeling it a major hurdle for US exports, as President Donald Trump prepares to unveil reciprocal tariffs on April 2. Dubbed “Liberation Day” by Trump, the move aims to address what the administration sees as unfair trade practices globally.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a briefing on Monday, stated that India’s 100% tariff on US farm goods makes exports “virtually impossible.” She highlighted similar high tariffs imposed by other nations, signaling a broader push for trade fairness.

“Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long. They’ve made their disdain for American workers quite clear,” Leavitt said, setting the stage for Trump’s tariff announcement.

Leavitt pointed to a range of tariffs affecting US products worldwide. “The US faces hefty tariffs: 50% from the European Union on dairy, 700% from Japan on American rice, and nearly 300% from Canada on butter and cheese,” she explained.

She emphasized that these barriers have long hindered American exporters, a concern the Trump administration aims to tackle with its reciprocal tariff strategy.

“It’s time for reciprocity. A president finally doing what’s right for the American people—that’s happening this Wednesday,” Leavitt declared. She refrained from detailing the upcoming tariffs, leaving the specifics to Trump’s announcement.

“We will ensure there’s reciprocity and the American people are treated fairly,” she added, noting that the President’s decision would be revealed on April 2.

ALSO READ | ‘PM Modi Is Smart Man’, India-US Tariffs Will Work Well : Trump

Leavitt praised Trump’s “brilliant team of trade advisors,” including Vice President J D Vance, who has been “deeply involved” in shaping the policy. “All of these individuals have presented plans to the President on how to get this done,” she said.

The administration has kept the tariff specifics under wraps, with Leavitt stating, “It’s the President’s decision to make, and we will not get ahead of him on the announcement.”

Trump, in a separate statement, clarified that the reciprocal tariffs would apply universally. “We would start with all countries, so let’s see what happens. They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history,” he said.

He added, “We’re going to be much nicer to them than they were to us, but it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless,” hinting at a balanced yet firm approach.

With “Liberation Day” set for April 2, global markets and trade partners, including India, await Trump’s detailed tariff plan. Further updates are expected as the White House rolls out its strategy to address long-standing trade imbalances.