Former US President Donald Trump has warned that India could face tariff rates of 20% to 25% as Washington nears the August 1 deadline for finalizing new trade measures. However, Trump clarified that the decision was not yet finalized, as negotiations with India on a broader trade deal continue.
Speaking aboard Air Force One during his return from a five-day visit to Scotland, Trump said, “India has been a good friend, but it imposes some of the highest tariffs. You just can’t do that.” He added that such a rate was possible for New Delhi under the pending tariff revisions.
The comment comes just days before a series of reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect on multiple US trading partners. Trump had first announced higher levies in April but later paused them at 10% to allow time for negotiations. Despite an extended timeline, the administration has only secured limited agreements.
On Monday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that Washington needed additional time to assess India’s willingness to open its markets to more American exports. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that New Delhi was preparing for potential tariffs in the 20–25% range.
