Wed Apr 02 08:32:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Administration to Unveil Reciprocal Tariffs; India Awaits Impact

**New Delhi, April 2, 2025** – The White House is set to announce a new plan of “reciprocal tariffs” at 4 p.m. U.S. EST (1:30 a.m. IST on Thursday), a policy championed by President Donald Trump to counter what he deems unfair trade practices by other nations. The announcement, part of a “Make America Wealthy Again” event, will take effect immediately.

While details remain scarce, the plan is expected to target several countries, including India, which has been identified by the U.S. as a major “tariff offender.” The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) cites India’s high tariffs (17% in 2023, according to WTO figures) and a significant bilateral trade deficit ($45.7 billion) in India’s favor. USTR data highlights specific high tariffs imposed by India on American agricultural products (100%).

India, however, is hopeful for preferential treatment given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington and ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). While both sides reported progress on the BTA in late March, with plans for sector-by-sector virtual negotiations, the U.S. remains critical of India’s trade practices.

The Indian government has acknowledged concerns from farmers’ groups regarding potential negative impacts of the tariffs but expressed confidence in negotiators securing a favorable outcome. India’s response to any imposed tariffs remains uncertain, unlike previous instances where retaliatory measures were swiftly implemented. This time, a muted reaction to prior U.S. actions suggests a potentially more measured approach. The international community is watching closely to see how India will react, particularly given the strong responses from China and the European Union to similar actions in the past.

Read More