Trump’s ‘very kind’ message ahead of tariff deadline: What’s in store for India?

US President Donald Trump has pledged a “very kind” yet firm approach towards all trading partners, including India, as he is all set to unveil new reciprocal tariffs on April 2. The White House has recently pointed to New Delhi’s 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products, arguing that such high levies make it “virtually impossible” for US exports to compete.

The Republican billionaire, who has wielded unprecedented executive powers since his inauguration in January this year, has maintained that reciprocal measures are essential as the world’s largest economy has been “ripped off by every country”, vowing a “Liberation Day” for the United States.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We’re going to be very nice, relatively speaking, we’re going to be very kind. You’re going to see in two days, which is maybe tomorrow night or probably Wednesday”.

Furthermore, Trump also suggested that the tariffs might extend to specific sectors, with industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors possibly being affected.

INDIA-US TRADE TIES
The White House has said that India imposes a 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products, arguing that such high levies, along with those imposed by other nations, make it “virtually impossible” for US exports to compete. Trump has repeatedly condemned India’s steep tariffs on American goods, calling them unfair trade barriers.

“If you look at the unfair trade practices – we have 50 per cent (tariff) from the European Union on American dairy and a 700 per cent tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100 per cent tariff from India on American agricultural products and nearly 300 per cent from Canada on American butter and cheese. So it’s time for reciprocity, and it’s time for a president to make a historic change, to do what’s right for the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

“If you look at the unfair trade practices – we have 50 per cent (tariff) from the European Union on American dairy and a 700 per cent tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100 per cent tariff from India on American agricultural products and nearly 300 per cent from Canada on American butter and cheese. So it’s time for reciprocity, and it’s time for a president to make a historic change, to do what’s right for the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The President said that reciprocal tariffs will include all nations, beyond just a smaller group of 10 to 15 countries. “You’d start with all countries. Essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about.”

The President’s tariff strategy, however, has sparked significant concern globally. Critics warn that it could trigger a trade war, prompting retaliatory measures from key partners like China, Canada, and the European Union. In response, China, South Korea, and Japan have already moved to strengthen trade ties amongst themselves in preparation for Trump’s expected announcement.

However, Trump dismissed concerns that such actions might push US allies toward Beijing, even noting that a deal concerning the social media platform TikTok might be tied to tariffs on China.

The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs deepened after Trump revealed that the measures would target “all countries”, including the possibility of global tariffs as high as 20 per cent, which would affect nearly all US trade partners.

The Republican leader has contended that tariffs will shield American industries from unfair competition, generate revenue for the federal government, and serve as leverage in negotiating concessions from other nations.