US President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a new set of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, promising a balanced yet firm stance toward all trading partners, including India. The White House has cited India's 100 percent tariff on American agricultural goods as a major concern, arguing that such steep duties create an uneven playing field for US exports.

Since taking office in January, Trump has exercised extensive executive authority and repeatedly emphasized that reciprocal trade measures are necessary to counter what he describes as long-standing economic exploitation of the United States. He has referred to the new tariffs as part of a broader effort to restore fairness in global trade.

Speaking to the press, Trump stated, "We're going to be very nice, relatively speaking, but also firm. You'll see the details soon, either tomorrow night or by Wednesday."

The proposed tariffs may target specific sectors, with industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors potentially affected.

India-US Trade Relations

The White House has criticized India's high tariffs on American agricultural products, noting that such levies—similar to those imposed by other nations—place US exports at a disadvantage. Trump has frequently highlighted these tariffs as unfair barriers to American goods.

"When you examine global trade practices, you’ll find major discrepancies: the European Union imposes a 50 percent tariff on American dairy, Japan has a 700 percent duty on US rice, India has a 100 percent tariff on American agricultural products, and Canada applies nearly 300 percent on American butter and cheese. It's time for reciprocity, and for leadership that prioritizes the American economy," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Although India has expressed willingness to finalize parts of a trade agreement with the US this year, neither side has committed to lifting tariffs. Reports suggest that New Delhi may reduce tariffs on select American farm imports, such as almonds and cranberries, in an attempt to strengthen trade ties.

Last month, Trump spoke highly of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him "a very smart man" and expressing optimism that ongoing trade discussions would yield favorable outcomes. "Prime Minister Modi was here recently, and we've always had a strong friendship. India imposes some of the highest tariffs in the world, but I believe we can work things out. He’s a great leader and a good friend of mine," Trump remarked.

Global Impact of US Tariffs

Trump confirmed that the upcoming tariff measures will apply to a broad range of countries rather than a select group of 10 to 15 nations. "This will extend to almost all countries we engage in trade with," Reuters quoted him as saying.

The announcement has sparked global concerns, with many fearing that the tariffs could escalate into a trade war, prompting retaliatory actions from major partners such as China, Canada, and the European Union. In anticipation of the US move, China, South Korea, and Japan have already taken steps to strengthen their trade ties.

Despite concerns that such measures could push US allies toward China, Trump dismissed the notion, even hinting that a decision regarding the social media platform TikTok could be linked to tariffs on China.

The uncertainty surrounding the policy deepened after Trump suggested that global tariffs could reach as high as 20 percent, potentially impacting nearly all US trading partners. He has defended the move, arguing that it will protect American industries from unfair competition, generate revenue for the government, and serve as a powerful tool in trade negotiations.