The White House on Tuesday addressed the tariffs imposed by various countries on U.S. goods, specifically highlighting India’s 150% tariff on American alcohol and 100% tariff on agricultural products.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump is committed to fair trade and reciprocity. She also criticized Canada, accusing the country of “ripping off” the U.S. for decades.
“The president is again responding to the fact that Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hardworking Americans for decades,” Leavitt said during a press briefing. “If you look at the rates of tariffs across the board that Canadians have been imposing on the American people and our workers here, it is egregious.”
Leavitt also pointed to high tariffs imposed by India and Japan on U.S. goods, underscoring Trump’s commitment to protecting American businesses and workers.
“In fact, I have a handy dandy chart here that shows not just Canada but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada—nearly 300% tariff on American cheese and butter. You look at India—150% tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that’s helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don’t think so. 100% tariff on agricultural products from India,” she stated.
Trump has frequently expressed concerns about international trade practices, recently suggesting the possibility of increasing tariffs on Mexico and Canada. He has cited border control and fentanyl trafficking as additional reasons for imposing tariffs on these countries.
On March 7, Trump temporarily delayed certain tariffs on Mexico and Canada before their scheduled implementation on April 2, following discussions with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, he maintained his criticism of Canada’s tariff policies.
Regarding India, Trump has previously complained about difficulties in trading with the country due to its high tariff rates. He recently stated that India has agreed to lower tariffs, attributing this to increased scrutiny of its trade policies.