US Criticizes India’s High Tariffs, Highlights 150% Tax on American Alcohol

12th March 2025 at 1:01 PM

1 minute read

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Tuesday in Washington. (AP)

The United States has once again called out India for the steep tariffs it places on American goods, focusing especially on alcohol and agricultural products. This latest criticism came during a White House press briefing on Tuesday, when Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a question about Canada but expanded her remarks to include India and Japan.

Leavitt accused Canada of taking advantage of the US with high tariffs for decades, claiming it has hurt American workers. She then pointed to India as another example, noting a 150% tariff on American alcohol a tax she said makes it tough for products like Kentucky bourbon to reach Indian markets. She also highlighted a 100% tariff on US agricultural goods imposed by India. Japan wasn’t spared either, with Leavitt mentioning a staggering 700% tariff on American rice.

To back up her claims, Leavitt presented a chart during the briefing. It detailed tariffs from Canada, India, and Japan, with India’s taxes circled in the colors of its flag—orange, white, and green—for emphasis. “These numbers show how unfair the trade practices are,” she argued, stressing that such high tariffs put American businesses at a disadvantage.

Leavitt tied her remarks to President Donald Trump’s trade philosophy. “President Trump believes in reciprocity,” she said. “He’s fighting for American businesses and workers by demanding fair and balanced trade deals.” She added that countries like Canada have not treated the US fairly for years and that it’s time for a change.

Trump himself has been vocal about India’s tariffs recently. Last Friday, he claimed that India had agreed to slash its tariffs “way down” after discussions with him. However, India’s Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal, pushed back on Monday. Speaking to a parliamentary committee on external affairs, Barthwal clarified that while talks between the two nations are ongoing, no agreement has been finalized yet.

The tariff dispute underscores broader tensions between the US and some of its key trading partners. For now, the US continues to press for changes, arguing that current trade practices are anything but fair.

(With PTI Inputs)