'Not Helping': White House Condemns 150% Tariff on US Alcohol Imposed by India

Washington DC: The United States once again raised concerns about the tariffs imposed by India on American goods, with a particular focus on the high tariffs on US alcohol and agricultural products.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue during a press briefing on Tuesday, drawing attention to the 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol and 100 per cent tariff on agricultural products from India.

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Leavitt, in response to a question about Canada's trade practices, included India in her criticisms, highlighting the disparity in trade relations.

"Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hard-working Americans for decades. If you look at the rates of tariffs across the board that Canadians have been imposing on the American people and our workers here, it is egregious. In fact, I have a handy dandy chart here that shows not just Canada, but the rate of tariffs across the board. If you look at Canada…American cheese and butter, nearly 300% tariff," she said.

"You look at India, 150% tariff on American alcohol. You think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don't think so," she added.

Also read | Trump Claims India Has Agreed to Cut Duties After 'Someone Finally Exposed Them,' Days After Announcing Reciprocal Tariffs

The White House Secretary also pointed to the high tariffs on agricultural products and compared them to tariffs imposed by other countries such as Canada and Japan, showing a chart illustrating the tariffs from these nations.

Leavitt emphasised that President Donald Trump's stance on trade, reiterating his belief in reciprocity and fair trade practices.

"President (Donald) Trump believes in reciprocity, and it is about dang time that we have a president who actually looks out for the interests of American businesses and workers, and all he's asking for at the end of the day are fair and balanced trade practices, and unfortunately, Canada has not been treating us very fairly at all over the past several decades," the official told the media.  

She criticised Canada's tariffs, asserting that the US has not been treated fairly by its trading partners.

Trump has been vocal in recent days about the need for India to lower its tariffs, claiming that the country has agreed to make significant cuts. "India has agreed to cut its tariffs 'way down'," Trump said on Friday, reaffirming his belief that India imposes unfairly high tariffs on American products.