U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized India’s trade policies, making it clear that he has no plans to reduce tariffs imposed on India.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump stated that India had engaged in one-sided trade with the United States for a long time, which caused damage to American manufacturers.
He said that India imposed some of the highest taxes in the world on American products, resulting in significant difficulties for several U.S. companies.
Giving an example, Trump pointed out that American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson was unable to sell its products in India because of a 200% tariff. As a result, the company was forced to set up a manufacturing plant in India just to avoid those taxes.
The U.S. President added that, due to his administration’s policies, companies from around the world including automakers from China, Mexico, and Canada are now investing in the United States. This, he said, is creating new job opportunities and strengthening the American economy.
Trump further commented that India’s recent offer to eliminate tariffs came “too late.” “That offer should have come years ago,” he said.
