During the first address to both chambers of Congress following his reelection to a second term, United States President Donald Trump actively defended his tariff measures, arguing that America has long been subjected to unequal trade. Trump pointed out the fact that a number of countries, among them India, impose very high tariffs on American products and that his government would now counter.

“If you don’t make your product in America under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one,” Trump declared. “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it's our turn to start using them against those other countries.”

Trump calls out India's 'unfair' tariffs

In his address, Trump noted that nations such as the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada place what he described as “tremendously high tariffs” on U.S. goods. “It’s very unfair,” he remarked.

Trump specifically pointed to India's auto tariffs and said, “India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100 percent.”

He even targeted China, saying its tariff on U.S. products averages twice as much as the U.S. tariff, and added that South Korea's tariffs are four times that of the U.S.

Trump said that beginning April 2, the U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries. He jokingly said that he specifically chose not to impose them on April 1 to avoid any connection with April Fools' Day.

“On April 2nd, I wanted to make it April 1st but didn't want it to be accused of April Fools' Day... it's a lot of money... April 2nd reciprocal tariffs kick in. Whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them—a reciprocal back and forth. If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, we will do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market,” Trump said.

The declaration got a standing ovation from his Congressional supporters, indicating strong Republican support for his aggressive trade posture.

Tariff increases in Canada, Mexico, and China

The tariff increase is coming shortly after the U.S. doubled down on trade tariffs, upholding 25 percent duties against its neighbor countries, Canada and Mexico—both among its largest trade partners. 

Moreover, Trump's administration raised Chinese goods' tariffs from 10 percent to 20 percent, defending it as a move in reaction to China's perceived lack of action against fentanyl production.

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