The Crossbill News Desk
US President Donald Trump has imposed new reciprocal tariffs on 50 countries, including India, as part of what he calls America’s "Declaration of Economic Independence."
Announced on April 2—dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ by Trump—the tariffs are aimed at countering what he describes as years of unfair trade practices against the US.
India has been hit with a 26% tariff, lower than the levies on key Asian exporters such as China (34%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), Taiwan (32%), and Indonesia (32%). However, it is higher than those imposed on South Korea (25%), Japan (24%), and Malaysia (24%).
The White House released the tariff list on social media platform X, stating in capital letters that these were “liberation day reciprocal tariffs.”
“This is one of the most important days in American history; it’s our Declaration of Economic Independence,” Trump declared in his address.
“For years, hard-working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines. But now it’s our time to prosper.”
Trump justified the tariffs by arguing that they are "discounted," as the U.S. is only charging half of what these countries levy on American exports.
Specifically mentioning India, he claimed, “India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He’s a great friend of mine, but I said, ‘You’re a friend of mine, but you’re not treating us right. They charge us 52%. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing for years and years and decades.”
He also highlighted the disparity in motorcycle tariffs, stating, “The U.S. charges only a 2.4% tariff on motorcycles but India charges 70%.”
The executive order, titled "Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits," has also impacted other South Asian nations.
Pakistan, India's immediate neighbour, faces a 29% reciprocal tariff, raising concerns about potential disruptions to its textile exports to the US. Bangladesh has been subjected to a 37% tariff, prompting Dhaka to reassess its import policies on U.S. goods.
Sri Lanka has been hit with the highest tariff in the region at 44%, sparking alarm among policymakers and industry leaders.
Trump’s "Liberation Day" tariffs are expected to have widespread implications for global trade. While some view them as a move toward fairer trade practices, others warn they could escalate economic tensions and disrupt supply chains.
As South Asian economies prepare for potential setbacks, their governments must now weigh their options—whether to retaliate, negotiate, or rethink their long-term trade strategies.
Announced on April 2—dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ by Trump—the tariffs are aimed at countering what he describes as years of unfair trade practices against the US.
India has been hit with a 26% tariff, lower than the levies on key Asian exporters such as China (34%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), Taiwan (32%), and Indonesia (32%). However, it is higher than those imposed on South Korea (25%), Japan (24%), and Malaysia (24%).
The White House released the tariff list on social media platform X, stating in capital letters that these were “liberation day reciprocal tariffs.”
LIBERATION DAY RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ???????? pic.twitter.com/ODckbUWKvO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2025
“This is one of the most important days in American history; it’s our Declaration of Economic Independence,” Trump declared in his address.
“For years, hard-working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines. But now it’s our time to prosper.”
Trump justified the tariffs by arguing that they are "discounted," as the U.S. is only charging half of what these countries levy on American exports.
Specifically mentioning India, he claimed, “India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He’s a great friend of mine, but I said, ‘You’re a friend of mine, but you’re not treating us right. They charge us 52%. You have to understand, we charge them almost nothing for years and years and decades.”
He also highlighted the disparity in motorcycle tariffs, stating, “The U.S. charges only a 2.4% tariff on motorcycles but India charges 70%.”
The executive order, titled "Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits," has also impacted other South Asian nations.
Pakistan, India's immediate neighbour, faces a 29% reciprocal tariff, raising concerns about potential disruptions to its textile exports to the US. Bangladesh has been subjected to a 37% tariff, prompting Dhaka to reassess its import policies on U.S. goods.
Sri Lanka has been hit with the highest tariff in the region at 44%, sparking alarm among policymakers and industry leaders.
Trump’s "Liberation Day" tariffs are expected to have widespread implications for global trade. While some view them as a move toward fairer trade practices, others warn they could escalate economic tensions and disrupt supply chains.
As South Asian economies prepare for potential setbacks, their governments must now weigh their options—whether to retaliate, negotiate, or rethink their long-term trade strategies.
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