Economy
India to Enforce 150 per cent Tariff on US Alcohol, 100 per cent on Agricultural Imports, Says White House
Published On Wed, 12 Mar 2025
Aarav Mukherjee
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The United States has once again voiced concerns over India’s high tariffs on American goods, particularly alcohol and agricultural products. During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue while responding to a question about Canada. She accused Canada of imposing excessively high tariffs on American products, calling it unfair to U.S. businesses and workers. Holding up a chart, she pointed out tariff rates imposed by multiple countries, including Canada, India, and Japan.
"If you look at Canada, they impose nearly a 300% tariff on American cheese and butter. And India? A 150% tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that helps Kentucky bourbon exports? I don’t think so. They also have a 100% tariff on American agricultural products," Leavitt stated. She also noted that Japan imposes a 700% tariff on imported rice.
The chart she displayed prominently highlighted India's tariff rates using the colors of the Indian flag. Leavitt stressed that President Donald Trump stands for fair and reciprocal trade. "It’s about time we had a president who looks out for American businesses and workers. All he's asking for is fair and balanced trade practices," she said, criticizing Canada for decades of unfair treatment toward the U.S.
Trump has recently intensified his criticism of India’s trade policies, repeatedly stating that the country imposes massive tariffs on American products. On Friday, he claimed that India had agreed to significantly lower these tariffs. The discussion over tariffs has been a key issue in U.S.-India trade relations, with Washington seeking greater market access for American goods while New Delhi maintains that its tariff structures align with its economic interests.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.