Washington, April 1 -The White House has criticized India’s 100% tariff on American agricultural products, calling it a major barrier to US exports. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the high levies imposed by India, Japan, Canada, and the European Union have made it “virtually impossible” for American products to enter these markets.
“If you look at the unfair trade practices—we have a 50% tariff from the European Union on American dairy, a 700% tariff from Japan on American rice, a 100% tariff from India on agricultural products, and nearly 300% from Canada on American butter and cheese,” Leavitt said during a press briefing, holding up a chart displaying the tariff rates.
“These countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long, and they’ve made their disdain for the American workers quite clear,” she added.
President Donald Trump has frequently criticized what he calls unfair tariffs imposed on American goods. He plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs on April 2, a move he has described as “Liberation Day” for the US economy.
“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—and that’s going to take place on Wednesday,” Leavitt said, without revealing specifics of the upcoming measures.
Trump previously stated that the current tariffs were “temporary” and “small,” while the new set of levies, effective April 2, would be “a big game-changer.”
Leavitt noted that the administration’s trade policies are being shaped by a team of advisors, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor. She also mentioned that Vice President J.D. Vance has been “deeply involved” in discussions.
“The President will make the announcement, and we will not get ahead of him on the specifics,” she said.
