The White House has expressed dissatisfaction with the tariffs imposed by India on American products, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighting a 150% tariff on American alcohol and a 100% tariff on US agricultural goods. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Leavitt emphasized President Donald Trump’s stance on fair and balanced trade practices.
“President Trump believes in reciprocity and wants fair and balanced trade practices. India imposes a 150% tariff on American alcohol — do you think that helps Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don’t think so. There’s also a 100% tariff on American agricultural products,” Leavitt stated.
Leavitt also accused Canada of imposing “egregious” tariffs on American goods, claiming the US had been “ripped off” for decades. Responding to questions about Trump’s communication with Canada’s Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney, she said, “Canada has been ripping off the United States and hardworking Americans for decades. The rates of tariffs Canada imposes on American workers are egregious.”
Japan’s trade practices also came under criticism, with Leavitt pointing out tariffs of up to 700% on American rice. She praised Trump’s efforts to prioritize the interests of American businesses and workers, saying, “It’s about time we have a president who looks out for American interests and insists on fair and balanced trade practices.”
On Sunday, Trump indicated that tariffs on neighboring Mexico and Canada could increase in the future, accusing the global community of exploiting the US for years. “For years, globalists have been ripping off the United States, taking money away from us. Now we’re getting some of it back and treating our country fairly,” he said, according to Fox News.
Trump has already imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing border control issues and the flow of fentanyl into the US. While he recently delayed tariffs on certain products from Mexico and Canada until April 2 following talks with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, he criticized Canada for its high tariffs.
India also came under sharp attack from Trump last week, who described it as “next to impossible” to sell goods there due to its high tariffs. In a nationally televised address, Trump claimed India had agreed to significantly lower its tariffs following pressure from his administration.
“India charges massive tariffs. You can’t even sell anything in India. But they’ve agreed to cut their tariffs way down now because someone is finally exposing them for what they’ve done,” Trump said.
