After Dropping Tariff Bombshell, Trump Administration Initiates Talks with India, Vietnam, and Israel
Donald Trump’s Tariff Talks with India, Vietnam, and Israel:
On April 2, under the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from India, Vietnam, and Israel. Effective April 9, the United States will impose tariffs of 26% on Indian exports, 46% on Vietnamese exports, and 17% on Israeli exports.
New Tariffs to Take Effect from April 9
According to media reports, President Trump has begun discussions with representatives from India, Vietnam, and Israel in an effort to reach trade agreements before the April 9 implementation date. If no agreements are reached by then, the newly announced tariffs will be enforced on imports from these countries.
Trump’s negotiations with these nations may also set a precedent for similar discussions with other countries regarding future trade deals.
Retaliatory Duties Signal Opposition to Trump’s Tariff Policy
China and Canada have already declared their intention to retaliate by imposing additional duties on American imports, in opposition to Trump’s tariff strategy.
Eric Trump, the President’s son, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“I don’t want to be the last country negotiating with Donald Trump. The one that negotiates first wins — the one that waits loses. I’ve seen this movie my entire life.”
Trump: “We’re in the Driver’s Seat on Tariffs”
President Trump, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, stated that he is open to negotiating with America’s trade partners.
“Every country wants to talk to us about tariffs. That’s our strength — we stay in the driver’s seat until we get a good deal. Take TikTok, for example — China might approve the deal, but they may ask, ‘What will you do about tariffs?’ Tariffs give us leverage in negotiations. It’s always been that way.”
As part of his reciprocal tariff approach, Trump noted that the 26% tariff on Indian exports is only half of what India imposes (52%) on U.S. goods. He expressed hope that ongoing discussions with India will lead to a positive resolution.
