Is India Facing Trump’s Toughest Tariffs Yet? A Comparison with Other Nations
US President Donald Trump has announced a fresh 25% tariff on Indian products, citing New Delhi’s continued procurement of Russian oil, taking the overall tariff burden on Indian imports to 50%, one of the highest among multiple countries affected by his administration’s trade policy.
The newly announced tariff, directly linked to India’s energy ties with Russia, will come into force 21 days from the date of the executive order. In the meantime, an earlier declared 25% duty, aimed at reducing the US trade imbalance with India, is set to be implemented on August 7.
With this, India now faces the highest tariff rate, equalling Brazil at 50%, followed by Syria (41%), Myanmar (40%), Laos (40%), and Switzerland (39%). India’s neighbour China currently bears 30% US tariffs, while Canada and Iraq are each facing 35%.
These new levies will be effective August 7, except in Canada’s case, where the tariffs came into effect from August 1. Trump imposed a 50% duty on Brazil, allowing several exemptions, as part of what he described as a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
Negotiations are still ongoing with China, as Beijing and Washington have agreed to defer implementation until August 12. Mexico has been granted a 90-day exemption from the 35% duty imposed by Trump.
Here’s a Look at Tariffs on Other Countries:
- Brazil – 50%
- India – 50%
- Syria – 41%
- Switzerland – 39%
- Canada – 35%
- South Africa – 35%
- China – 30%
- Vietnam – 20%
- Bangladesh – 20%
- Pakistan – 19%
- Israel – 15%
- United Kingdom – 10%
Since his return to office in January, President Trump has introduced a series of such import duties, arguing that these steps will promote domestic manufacturing and job creation. However, his aggressive trade measures have disrupted global markets and contributed to rising prices within the United States.
Trump has consistently criticised India for continuing to buy and sell Russian oil, even as Russia has been at war with Ukraine since 2022. He has frequently claimed that doing business in India is extremely difficult due to its high tariffs and that New Delhi’s actions were indirectly supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In reply, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) labelled the move as “unjustified” and “unreasonable”, asserting that India would take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interest and economic security.
“We have already clearly communicated our stance on these matters, including the fact that our energy imports are guided by market conditions and undertaken to secure the energy needs of 1.4 billion Indians,” the MEA said on Wednesday.
“It is therefore highly unfortunate that the United States has chosen to impose extra tariffs on India for actions that many other countries are also taking in line with their national interests,” the statement added.
The ministry further stated that India began importing oil from Russia only after its traditional energy sources were diverted to Europe following the Ukraine war – a shift that was encouraged by the US to stabilise the global energy market.
