US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing reciprocal tariffs, citing “very unfair” trade practices by nations like India, China, and the European Union. Speaking to a Joint Session of Congress in his first address of his second term, Trump declared that beginning April 2, the US would match tariffs imposed by foreign countries on American exports.

“For decades, other countries have taken advantage of us with high tariffs,” Trump said. “Now it’s our turn. If they charge us 100 percent, we’ll charge them 100 percent. It’s only fair.”

Citing India as an example, Trump criticized its steep tariffs on automobile imports, which exceed 100 percent. “I told Prime Minister Modi—India is not exempt. Nobody can argue with me on this,” he asserted, referencing discussions held during Modi’s recent Washington visit.

The administration’s tariff plan follows sweeping levies on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, which were justified by concerns over illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and alleged unfair trade practices. The move has triggered backlash from global leaders, particularly Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who accused Trump of attempting to cripple Canada’s economy.

“Targeting close allies while appeasing Russia over Ukraine is unacceptable,” Trudeau said. “This isn’t about fair trade—it’s economic warfare.”

Trump, however, remains resolute, insisting that the policy will restore balance in international trade. “No more one-sided deals. If they block our markets, we’ll block theirs,” he stated.

With the April 2 deadline approaching, the global economic landscape braces for potential disruptions, as nations prepare their responses to Trump’s bold trade retaliation strategy.

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing reciprocal tariffs, citing “very unfair” trade practices by nations like India, China, and the European Union. Speaking to a Joint Session of Congress in his first address of his second term, Trump declared that beginning April 2, the US would match tariffs imposed by foreign countries on American exports.

“For decades, other countries have taken advantage of us with high tariffs,” Trump said. “Now it’s our turn. If they charge us 100 percent, we’ll charge them 100 percent. It’s only fair.”

Citing India as an example, Trump criticized its steep tariffs on automobile imports, which exceed 100 percent. “I told Prime Minister Modi—India is not exempt. Nobody can argue with me on this,” he asserted, referencing discussions held during Modi’s recent Washington visit.

The administration’s tariff plan follows sweeping levies on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, which were justified by concerns over illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and alleged unfair trade practices. The move has triggered backlash from global leaders, particularly Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who accused Trump of attempting to cripple Canada’s economy.

“Targeting close allies while appeasing Russia over Ukraine is unacceptable,” Trudeau said. “This isn’t about fair trade—it’s economic warfare.”

Trump, however, remains resolute, insisting that the policy will restore balance in international trade. “No more one-sided deals. If they block our markets, we’ll block theirs,” he stated.

With the April 2 deadline approaching, the global economic landscape braces for potential disruptions, as nations prepare their responses to Trump’s bold trade retaliation strategy.