Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff: 26% Imposed on India, China Retaliates, India Downplays Economic Impact

Shamiksha Devi

Trump reciprocal tariffs on India 2025, US import duties, India trade strategy
Trump's Reciprocal Tariff: In his tariff announcement, Trump presented a chart comparing tariffs from various countries, including India, China, and the European Union.The chart revealed that India had been imposing a steep 52% tariff, citing currency manipulation and trade barriers, while the U.S. would now apply a 26% discounted reciprocal tariff, signaling a shift in US trade policies and global trade dynamics.

India response to Trump's reciprocal tariffs, US trade policy impact, India export competitiveness 2025
India strategizes its response to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs with plans for Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations.(Source: X,formerly Twitter)

A New Era for American Industry: Trump’s Bold Announcement on Reciprocal Tariffs


  • Global tariffs and reciprocal tariffs comparison chart 2025, India, China, EU, UK, US trade relations

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs: US to Impose 26% on India and 34% on China Amid Rising Trade Tensions

President Donald Trump has announced significant changes to the United States’ approach to international trade, revealing new reciprocal tariffs on both India and China. Labeling these tariffs as “discounted reciprocal tariffs,” Trump stated that the U.S. would impose a 26% import duty on India and a 34% tariff on China, underscoring his commitment to addressing what he perceives as unfair trade practices. While these tariffs are a response to high trade barriers set by India and China, Trump emphasized that they are half of what these countries charge the U.S., marking a pivotal shift in US trade policy.

India’s Trade Barriers and Trump’s Tariff Strategy

In his remarks, President Trump specifically targeted India’s 52% tariffs, calling them “very, very tough.” He noted that, despite his friendly relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not been treating the U.S. fairly on trade. “India charges us 52%, so we will charge them half of that—26%,” Trump explained, highlighting the unbalanced tariff situation. This move aims to create a fairer trade environment, particularly in US-India trade relations, and signals the U.S.’s growing stance on reciprocal tariffs in global trade agreements.



The decision to impose 26% tariffs on India is seen as a direct response to India’s long-standing protectionist policies. As part of this new trade strategy, the U.S. seeks to level the playing field and address the global economic imbalance caused by such steep tariffs.

India’s Response to Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs: A Strategic Trade Approach

In light of President Donald Trump’s newly imposed reciprocal tariffs on countries, including India, the Indian government has swiftly responded with a strategic plan aimed at mitigating the impact of the 26% import duty on Indian goods. Trump’s move to apply higher tariffs comes as part of a broader effort to correct what he sees as long-standing trade imbalances with nations like India and China.

India, however, has positioned itself well by pursuing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S., set to conclude its first phase by Fall 2025. This agreement is expected to provide India with a potential cushion against the new tariffs, offering opportunities for trade negotiations and possibly reducing some of the economic pressure created by the Trump tariffs.



India also faces inflationary risks as global tariffs create upward pressure on consumer prices. Nevertheless, India’s export competitiveness remains relatively intact compared to other countries that might face more severe consequences due to their reliance on U.S. exports. By improving export efficiency, India aims to minimize the impact of inflationary pressures and secure a competitive edge in the U.S. market.

Trump’s New Tariff Strategy: 20% Levy on EU Imports and 10% on UK, Marking ‘Liberation Day’ for America

In a bold move to reclaim America’s economic standing, President Trump has announced new reciprocal tariffs on several key trading partners, including the European Union and the United Kingdom. The new tariffs will impose a 20% levy on imports from the EU and a 10% tariff on UK goods, signaling a significant shift in US trade policy. This announcement, made during a Rose Garden address on April 2, 2025, was described by Trump as a momentous occasion—”Liberation Day”—marking the day America took back control of its industries and economic future.

Trump emphasized that these tariffs, alongside a 10% baseline tariff on all imported products, would level the playing field for American businesses. “No longer will other countries loot and plunder us,” Trump declared. “Reciprocal means we do to them, what they do to us.” These measures, aimed at protecting US industry and bringing jobs back to American soil, are a part of a broader strategy to address the persistent trade deficits and protect small and medium businesses in the U.S. economy.

Author

  • Shamiksha Devi

    Shamiksha Devi is a digital marketer with a MICA certification and a Master’s in Commerce. She specializes in SEO and content creation, having collaborated with brands like Bajaj Auto and HCL Tech. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading and following Indian cricket.

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