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Trump Vows Reciprocal Tariffs, Targets India's Auto Import Duties

Addressing a joint session, Trump emphasized the need for the U.S. to implement reciprocal tariffs to counter what he described as decades of unfair treatment in international trade.

• By Newsdesk
• Washington DC
• Mar 05, 2025

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U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at global trade imbalances during a speech to Congress, particularly criticizing India's high import tariffs on automobiles. Addressing a joint session, Trump emphasized the need for the U.S. to implement reciprocal tariffs to counter what he described as decades of unfair treatment in international trade.

"India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%," Trump asserted, highlighting what he perceives as a significant disparity in trade policies. He announced that the reciprocal tax would take effect on April 2, stating, "The U.S. has been taken advantage of for decades by nearly every country on Earth, and that stops now."

During his speech, Trump outlined a broader trade policy shift, vowing to impose tariffs on nations that levy higher duties on American goods. He specifically cited the European Union, China, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and South Korea, arguing that these countries have maintained significantly higher tariffs on U.S. exports.

“China's average tariff on our products is twice what we charge them. South Korea's tariff is four times higher, despite the military and economic support we provide them," Trump said. He reiterated that the U.S. would no longer tolerate such trade imbalances and pledged decisive action.

Stressing that the current trade system disadvantages the U.S., Trump declared that starting April 2, the U.S. will implement reciprocal tariffs based on the levies imposed by other nations. "If they impose tariffs on us, we will do the same. If they set non-monetary barriers to keep us out, we will respond in kind," he affirmed, predicting that this approach would generate trillions of dollars and drive job growth.

Trump also underscored his administration’s achievements, claiming that more had been accomplished in 43 days than most administrations achieve in multiple terms. "We are on the verge of a comeback, the likes of which have never been seen before," he declared, describing a "golden age of America" marked by economic resurgence and national pride.

Addressing political divisions, Trump took aim at Democratic lawmakers, claiming that nothing he says or does would earn their approval. "This is my fifth speech to Congress, and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can do to make them stand, smile, or applaud—even for undeniable accomplishments," he said.

He further stated that his administration had issued nearly 100 executive orders and more than 400 executive actions since taking office, aiming to restore "common sense, safety, and prosperity." He also touched on immigration policies, citing a national emergency declaration at the southern border and criticizing former President Joe Biden’s administration.

"Within hours of taking office, I deployed the U.S. military and border patrol to secure our nation’s border. Illegal crossings last month were the lowest ever recorded. Under Joe Biden—the worst President in American history—illegal crossings surged to record highs," he alleged.

Trump’s speech reinforced his stance on economic protectionism and border security while outlining his vision for America's resurgence on the global stage. His commitment to reciprocal tariffs signals a potential shift in trade relations, setting the stage for intensified economic negotiations with key trading partners, including India.