3 weeks ago
Last Updated:February 14, 2025, 02:27 IST
Donald Trump said “India has more tariffs than nearly any other country” as he announced reciprocal tariffs.
US President Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs increase in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump said Thursday he will discuss tariffs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted India’s high import duties on American goods while addressing reporters after devising a plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose tariffs on American imports.
The remarks came as White House geared up to host Prime Minister Modi for his visit to the US following Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
“Traditionally, India is right at the top of the pack pretty much. There are a couple of smaller countries that are actually more but India charges tremendous tariffs," he said.
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "…India traditionally is just about the highest tariff country, they charge more tariffs than any other country. Whatever they charge us, we are charging them…"(Source – US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/y1bRLzIXNa
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025
“India has more tariffs than nearly any other country," he further added, according to Reuters.
“India traditionally is just about the highest tariff country, they charge more tariffs than any other country. Whatever they charge us, we are charging them".
Referring to Harley-Davidson’s past struggles in India, Trump claimed the motorcycle maker had to set up a factory in India to bypass steep tariffs.
He suggested that US firms should do the same, including in sectors like medical equipment, automobiles, semiconductors, and chips.
“I remember when Harley Davidson couldn’t sell their motorbikes in India because of the fact that in India – the tax was so high, the tariff was so high, and Harley was forced, I think they built a factory in India in order to avoid paying the tariffs. And that’s what people can do with us. They can build a factory here, a plant or whatever it may be here and that includes the medical, that includes cars, that includes chips and semiconductors," he said.
India in its Union Budget 2025 announced to cut import duty on high-capacity motorcycles, giving a boost to the American brand Harley-Davidson.
The import duty on motorcycles with engine capacity of up to 1,600 cc, which are imported as completely built-up (CBU) units, has been slashed to 40% from 50%. For larger motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 1600 cc, the reductions are higher.
The import duty on semi-knocked down (SKD) kits has been cut to 20% versus 25% earlier. The completely knocked down (CKD) units will be taxed at 10% as against 15% earlier.
The decision is being seen as a strong positive signal to the new US administration under President Donald Trump. The tariffs on Harley Davidson bikes have been a mushrooming friction point between India and the US.
US President Trump directed his economic team to create a plan for reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose duties on American imports.
Speaking at the Oval Office, he said the US will now charge the same tariffs that other nations impose on its goods, calling it a move for fair trade.
He signed a memo ordering officials to study global tariffs and trade barriers before deciding on countermeasures. While Trump has long promised reciprocal tariffs, this order starts an investigation process that could take weeks or months before any action is taken.
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:February 14, 2025, 02:27 IST
News world ‘Whatever They’re Charging Us...’: Donald Trump On How Much Tariffs He Will Impose On Indian Goods
