Trump likely to impose ‘reciprocal tariffs,’ executive order before PM Modi meeting

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he could authorize the new tariff measures by the end of Wednesday or early Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on other countries, a move that could escalate trade tensions globally, AFP reported. Trump indicated on Wednesday that he could sign an order for the tariffs within a day.

According to The Hindu, the White House expects Trump to sign an executive order on reciprocal tariffs before his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, February 13, 2025. During his election campaign, Trump had vowed to implement a policy of “an eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount,” hinting at duties that would match the tariff rates levied by other nations on American exports.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he could authorize the new tariff measures by the end of Wednesday or early Thursday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed that an announcement was likely before Trump’s meeting with Modi.

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs on U.S. trading partners. On Wednesday, a White House official told AFP that his administration plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, which would be in addition to previous levies on Canada and Mexico.

Earlier in February, Trump had announced a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, alongside a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy imports. However, he temporarily paused these levies for a month following agreements with both countries to strengthen measures against illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. If the pause expires without further adjustments, tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum could rise to 50 percent, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

While negotiations with North American trade partners continue, Trump has already signed separate orders imposing a 25 percent duty on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12.