14.02.2025 13:30
U.S. President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi addressed trade imbalances during their meetings at the White House. Trump stated that he is considering imposing higher tariffs on products imported from India, while Modi announced that he would reduce tariffs on certain U.S. goods.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House and promised to make the economic relations between the two countries fairer. During a joint press conference, Trump stated that the U.S. is considering reducing trade deficits and imposing higher tariffs on products imported from India.
"WHATEVER INDIA ASKS, WE WILL ASK FOR IT TOO"
Trump, who said, "Whatever India asks, we will ask for it too," emphasized that Washington now wants reciprocal and fair trade. He noted that the two countries would begin trade negotiations and added that additional tariffs on India are on the agenda.
DESCRIBING MODI AS THE "TARIFF KING"
According to a report in the Sözcü newspaper, the U.S. exported $70 billion to India while importing $120 billion. Trump has long expressed his discomfort with India's customs policies and referred to Modi as the "tariff king." During his visit to Washington, Modi described India's current customs tariffs as "unfair and very high."
TRUMP COMPLAINS ABOUT TRADE IMBALANCE
Before his departure to the U.S., India announced that it would increase its oil purchases from the U.S. and reduce the tariffs on U.S. goods, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, from 50% to 40%.
The Modi government has reviewed its trade policies in recent years. In 2023, India reduced the tariffs on almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts imported from the U.S. However, the Trump administration argues that India still maintains a trade imbalance and needs to make more concessions.