In his first address to Congress during his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump defended his tough tariff policies, highlighting the high tariffs the U.S. faces from countries like India. He emphasized his commitment to reciprocal tariffs and stressed that the U.S. would take action against nations with unfair trade practices.

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• President Trump singled out India for charging auto tariffs higher than 100%.
• He stated that several countries, including India, charge the U.S. higher tariffs than what the U.S. charges them.
• Trump criticized countries like the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada for their high tariffs on U.S. goods.
• He emphasized that tariffs would be imposed on foreign goods if the products aren’t made in America, especially under his administration.
• The President announced that U.S. reciprocal tariffs would begin on April 2, 2025, as a countermeasure to foreign tariffs.
• Trump stressed that if other countries impose non-monetary tariffs, the U.S. would retaliate similarly with non-monetary barriers.
• He dismissed April 1 as the starting date for the tariffs to avoid being accused of making an “April Fools” joke.
• The announcement of reciprocal tariffs was met with a standing ovation from Trump’s supporters in Congress.
• Earlier, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as a doubling of tariffs on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%.
• Trump’s stance on tariffs aims to address what he sees as “unfair” trade practices against the U.S. and level the global playing field.