US flags 'high' tariffs by India: '150% on American alcohol, 100% on agri products'

India, for instance, imposes a 150 percent tariff on American alcohol and a 100 percent tariff on agricultural products, said the White House Press Secretary.

The US has once again raised concerns over India's high tariffs on American goods, particularly on alcohol and agricultural products. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted these issues during a press briefing on Tuesday while responding to a question on trade disputes with Canada.

Leavitt criticised trade practices imposed by several countries, including Canada, India, and Japan, citing significantly high tariff rates. "Canada has been imposing nearly 300 percent tariffs on American cheese and butter," she stated. "India, for instance, imposes a 150 percent tariff on American alcohol and a 100 percent tariff on agricultural products, which does not help Kentucky bourbon exports into India. Japan, on the other hand, places a staggering 700 percent tariff on imported rice."

During the briefing, Leavitt displayed a chart highlighting tariff rates imposed by various countries, including India, with the Indian tricolor prominently marking the high duties. She underscored US President Donald Trump’s commitment to enforcing reciprocal trade policies, stating, "President Trump believes in fair trade, and it’s time we have a leader who prioritises American businesses and workers."

Trump has repeatedly criticised India over its tariff policies, claiming that New Delhi has agreed to reduce some duties following US pressure. "India has agreed to cut its tariffs way down," he stated on Friday, reiterating his long-standing claim that the country imposes excessive duties on American products.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Trump initially announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent. However, he later reversed the decision, scaling it back to the originally planned 25 percent after Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened countermeasures, including a surcharge on electricity exports to the US.