India Ready To Remove Tariffs On US, Says Donald Trump

Speaking in an interview aired Friday, Trump pointed to India as a prime example of the type of trading partner he wants to engage with — one that removes trade barriers for American exports.

However, Trump made it clear that finalising a trade agreement wasn’t a pressing matter for him.

Source : PTI

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that India has offered to eliminate tariffs completely on American products, however, the leader is no rush to formalise the deal.

Speaking in an interview aired Friday on Fox News with host Bret Baier, Trump pointed to India as a prime example of the type of trading partner he wants to engage with — one that removes trade barriers for American exports, reported Bloomberg.

“They make it almost impossible to do business,” Trump said, referring to India’s historically high tariff regime. “Do you know that they’re willing to cut 100 per cent of their tariffs for the United States?”

However, Trump made it clear that finalising a trade agreement wasn’t a pressing matter for him. “That’ll come soon. I’m in no rush. Look, everybody wants to make a deal with us,” he stated, before adding, “I’m not planning to make deals with everybody.”

Trade Talks on a Selective Track

Trump’s remarks reflected a broader strategy of selective engagement, where the US is expected to pursue deals with only a handful of trading partners. He confirmed that while some agreements may be reached before the current pause on increased import duties expires in July, others will face unilateral decisions by the US on tariffs.

In a separate statement earlier Friday, Trump revealed that new duty rates would be set “over the next two to three weeks.” While trade negotiations remain a priority, the administration’s limited bandwidth means it cannot pursue talks with every country simultaneously, including those involved in the reciprocal tariffs initiative. India remains one of several nations in the queue.

Balancing Rivalries and Peace Through Trade

Trump also mentioned the possibility of expanding trade relations with Pakistan, India’s long-standing regional rival. He pointed out that earlier this month, the US had attempted to mediate between the two countries, partially driven by trade-related incentives. “I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace,” Trump remarked.

Meanwhile, Trump described the easing of trade tensions with China as a generous move. In a recent development, the US agreed to reduce its tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, while China lowered its own tariffs from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Both nations have agreed to continue their discussions.

“If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” Trump said.