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India braces for Trump’s reciprocal tariffs as U.S. seeks fair trade deals

By isabelle // 2025-03-06

• President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on India and other nations, effective April 2, targeting unfair trade practices.
• India faces vulnerability due to its trade surplus with the U.S., with sectors like chemicals, automobiles, and agriculture at risk.
• Indian officials are negotiating concessions, including tariff reductions on U.S. imports, but resist lowering agricultural tariffs to protect small farmers.

President Donald Trump announced that reciprocal tariffs on India and other nations will take effect on April 2 to target what he considers unfair trade practices. Speaking to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday, Trump criticized India for imposing auto tariffs exceeding 100%, among other trade barriers, and vowed to match those rates. “Whatever they tax us, we will tax them,” Trump declared, emphasizing his commitment to protecting American industries and workers. The announcement comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to rebalance global trade, which has already seen tariffs imposed on $1.4 trillion in imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The president’s aggressive stance has sent shockwaves through international markets, with India now scrambling to negotiate concessions to avoid the looming tariffs.

India’s vulnerabilities and negotiation efforts

India, which maintains a trade surplus with the U.S., is particularly vulnerable to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Analysts estimate that sectors like chemicals, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture could face significant losses if the U.S. imposes matching tariffs. For example, India’s steel and aluminum exports are already subject to a 25% U.S. tariff, and the new measures could further strain bilateral trade. In response, Indian officials are exploring ways to reduce tariffs on key U.S. imports, including automobiles, chemicals, and medical devices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has already slashed tariffs on high-end motorcycles and bourbon whiskey, signaling a willingness to compromise. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in the U.S. to discuss potential concessions and assess the impact of Trump’s policies. However, India is resisting pressure to lower tariffs on agricultural products, citing concerns for millions of small farmers. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are part of a larger effort to address what he describes as decades of unfair trade practices by global partners. “We’ve been ripped off for decades by every country on Earth, and we will not let that happen any longer,” he said during his address. The president has repeatedly emphasized that these measures are designed for “making America rich again,” projecting that they will generate trillions of dollars and create jobs. The tariffs have already sparked retaliation from other nations. Canada and Mexico, for instance, have threatened to impose their own tariffs on U.S. goods, although the tariffs imposed by Trump in those cases are aimed at pressuring those countries to stop the flow of fentanyl across the border, while China has announced additional levies on American agricultural products. Despite the backlash, Trump remains steadfast, arguing that the U.S. must assert its economic interests.

Global implications

While some analysts argue that India may escape the worst of Trump’s tariffs due to its relatively small share of U.S. trade, others warn of indirect consequences. Economist Swaminathan Aiyar noted that global trade uncertainty could slow India’s GDP growth. “The world trade will slow down, and India’s trade will also slow down,” he said. India’s efforts to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S. by 2025, aiming for $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, may offer some protection. However, with Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to take effect in April, time is running out for New Delhi to secure favorable terms. President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs represent a seismic shift in U.S. trade policy, with India emerging as a key target. Although the measures aim to level the playing field for American businesses, they also risk escalating trade tensions and disrupting global markets. As India scrambles to negotiate concessions, it is clear that the era of unilateral U.S. trade concessions is over, and the rules of global commerce are being rewritten. Sources for this article include: EconomicTimes.com Reuters.com NDTV.com NBCNews.com

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