During a recent meeting in Washington, former US President Donald Trump confronted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about India’s steep import duties. “You haven’t been fair to us,” Trump recalled telling Modi, referencing India’s 52% tariff on American goods. In response, the US will now impose a 26% duty on Indian imports-half of what India charges.
Trump described India’s tariffs as “very tough” but maintained a friendly stance toward Modi, calling him a “great friend.” While he didn’t detail which industries would be most affected, the White House later clarified that the new country-specific tariffs would be in addition to a baseline 10% tariff on all imports into the US.
Citing national security concerns linked to trade deficits, the White House announced that the 10% baseline tariff would take effect on April 5, followed by higher, country-specific tariffs on April 9. Trump, positioning himself as a champion of American industries, declared, “We are only charging half of what they charge us-that’s fair.”
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, he called April 2 “Liberation Day,” marking the moment when the US decided to reclaim its economy. “For too long, other nations have exploited us. No more,” he declared.
Other nations facing these new tariffs include China (34%), Vietnam (46%), Japan (24%), and the UK (10%). Trump insisted that these measures would bring jobs back to America and strengthen local businesses.
