rki.news
Sources Xinhua
New York, July 30 – U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a 25-percent tariff will be imposed on all imports from India starting August 1. The decision, revealed via Trump’s Truth Social post on Wednesday, signals a sharp turn in trade relations between the two countries.
Trump cited India’s high tariffs and what he called “obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers” as primary reasons for the new trade measure. While calling India a “friend,” he claimed the U.S. has done “relatively little business” with the country due to these obstacles.
He further pointed to India’s close military and energy ties with Russia, saying it is “Russia’s largest buyer of energy” and continues to source most of its defense equipment from Moscow.
“As a result,” Trump stated, “India will face a 25 percent tariff, plus a penalty, starting August 1.”
The announcement comes as trade officials from both sides struggle to make progress on negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had earlier told CNBC that more time was needed to assess India’s willingness to open its markets.
According to Bloomberg, the move may disappoint Indian officials who had hoped for a more favorable arrangement—similar to the lower rates offered to Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Indian government has not yet issued an official response.