They tax us, we tax them: Donald Trump vows equal tariffs on foreign goods to counter India’s high duties

World News: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to implement reciprocal tariffs on nations, including India and Brazil, that levy steep duties on American products. Addressing reporters on Monday, Trump underscored his commitment to a fair trade policy where countries imposing high tariffs on US exports would face equivalent measures in return.

Trump’s Stand on Trade Tariffs

During his interaction with the media, Trump clarified his approach to ensuring trade fairness. “Reciprocal. If they tax us, we tax them the same amount,” he said, highlighting the need for balanced trade relations. He noted that many countries, including India and Brazil, have been taxing US goods at significantly high rates without facing similar consequences.

Referring to India specifically, Trump stated, “The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us — India, we don’t have to talk about our own — if India charges us 100%, do we charge them nothing for the same?” He emphasized that the US would impose similar tariffs on goods imported from countries that overcharge American products.

India and Brazil Among the Key Targets

While responding to a question about a possible trade agreement with China, Trump singled out India and Brazil as examples of nations levying exorbitant tariffs on US goods. He explained, “They charge us 100 and 200. India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that’s fine, but we’re going to charge them the same thing.”

Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming that reciprocity would play a pivotal role in the incoming administration’s trade policies. Lutnick remarked, “How you treat us is how you should expect to be treated.”

US-India Relations in Transition

Meanwhile, the outgoing Biden administration has expressed confidence in the strength of US-India ties. Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, highlighted the robust engagement between the two countries during recent months, including the QUAD summit in Delaware. Campbell stated, “We continue to be very ambitious about the US-India relationship and anticipate high-level engagement in the coming weeks.”

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, its firm stance on reciprocal tariffs could redefine trade dynamics with major partners, potentially reshaping global economic relationships.