The White House on Tuesday discussed the tariffs various nations have imposed on the United States, specifically mentioning India that imposed 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol and 100 per cent on agricultural products.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that US President Donald Trump advocates for reciprocity and seeks fair and balanced trade practices. She called on Canada and said that the country have been ripping off the US and hardworking Americans for decades.
While addressing the presser, Leavitt said, “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.”
This came in a response to the queries over Trump’s planned communication with Canada’s Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney.
She then highlighted tariffs imposed by India and Japan on various US products, noting that the current US President prioritises American business and worker interests.
She presented specific examples: “In fact, I have a handy dandy chart here that shows not just Canada but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada since you brought it up American cheese and butter nearly 300 per cent tariff. 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.”
On Sunday, Trump indicated potential increases in tariffs against Mexico and Canada, according to Fox News, stating that the international community has historically taken advantage of the US.
Addressing business leaders’ concerns about tariff predictability, Trump suggested possible future increases. He emphasised the need to recover from what he views as years of unfair international trade practices.
Trump has implemented tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing concerns about border control and fentanyl trafficking into the US.
On March 7, Trump temporarily delayed certain product tariffs on Mexico and Canada before the April 2 implementation. This followed discussions with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, though he criticised Canada’s tariff policies.
Recently, Trump addressed India’s tariffs, stating that trading with India is extremely difficult due to high tariff rates. He noted that India has agreed to reduce its tariffs, attributing this to increased scrutiny of their trade practices.
