US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signaled that India could face tariffs in the range of 20% to 25%, cautioning that the final rate has not yet been decided as the two countries continue trade negotiations ahead of an August 1 deadline.
“I think so,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked if such tariff rates could be imposed on India.
“India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,” Trump said, returning from a five-day trip to Scotland. “You just can’t do that.”
The warning comes as Washington prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple trading partners. Trump initially announced higher levies in April but paused them at a reduced 10% rate to allow more time for negotiations. Despite the extended deadline, only a few trade deals have been concluded so far.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday that more time was required to assess India’s willingness to open its market to American exports.
According to a Reuters report, New Delhi is already preparing for higher tariffs, expected to be in the 20% to 25% range, if a trade agreement is not reached by the deadline.
