Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, listed out names of the countries that impose high tariffs on US goods, saying it’s “time for reciprocity”.
Leavitt said India imposes a 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products and the high levies charged by other countries make it “virtually impossible” for US products to be exported to those nations.
“50% from the European Union on American dairy, 700% from Japan on American rice, 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products…near 300% tariff from Canada on American butter and cheese. This makes it virtually impossible for American products to be imported to these markets and has put a lot of Americans out of business and work over the past several decades,” she said.
Leavitt further added: “It’s time for reciprocity. It’s time for the president to historic change and do what’s right for the American people”.
Earlier this month, Trump had said the current tariffs were “temporary” and “small ones” but the “predominant” tariffs that will be reciprocal in nature, will start from April 2 and they will be a “big game-changer for our country”.
Leavitt did not spell out the specifics of what the tariffs will look like and which countries will be impacted.
“I will let the President make the announcement on Wednesday, but it’s certainly going to be ensured that there’s reciprocity and the American people are treated fairly,” she said.
The press secretary underlined that Trump has a “brilliant team of trade advisors” including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.
