The White House has voiced strong concerns over high tariffs imposed by several countries on American goods, calling for more balanced trade. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt specifically pointed to India, Canada, and Japan, criticising their steep tariff rates on US products.
Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt underscored President Donald Trump’s stance on trade fairness. "The president is again responding to the fact that Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hardworking Americans for decades. If you look at the rates of tariffs across the board that Canadians have been imposing on the American people and our workers here, it is egregious," she said.
India’s Tariffs Under the Spotlight
India’s trade policies also came under scrutiny, with Leavitt pointing out the high duties placed on American goods. "You look at India, 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don't think so. 100 per cent tariff on agricultural products from India," she remarked.
The White House maintains that these tariffs make it extremely difficult for American businesses to operate in the Indian market. Trump himself recently addressed the issue, claiming that India has agreed to lower its tariffs. "India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can't even sell anything in India... They have agreed, by the way; they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done," Trump stated during a televised address.
Tariff Hikes on the Horizon?
Trump has suggested that the US may impose higher tariffs on Canada and Mexico in the near future. "The tariffs could go up as time goes by, and they may go up..." he told business leaders, as reported by Fox News.
The President has repeatedly stated that other nations have exploited the US for years. "This country has been ripped off from every nation in the world, every company in the world. We've been ripped off at levels never seen before, and what we're going to do is get it back," he said.
This latest escalation is part of a broader US trade policy shift under Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing concerns over border control and fentanyl trafficking. Earlier this month, Trump temporarily delayed some tariffs on Mexico and Canada before a wider implementation set for April 2, following discussions with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, he continued to criticise Canada’s trade policies, calling it a "high tariff nation."
The global trade landscape remains tense as countries navigate their economic interests. With the US pushing for a level playing field, further trade negotiations—and potential retaliatory tariffs—are likely in the coming months.
Source Name : Economic Times