President Donald Trump plans to announce a reciprocal tariff strategy targeting countries imposing import duties on the United States. This move is poised to affect "every country" with such tariffs, marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy. The White House indicated that this announcement might occur before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, scheduled for Thursday.
The confirmation of the potential announcement came from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing. Leavitt stated that the administration believes the announcement will precede the prime minister's visit. This development aligns with Trump's vision of a straightforward approach to international trade.
"Very simply it's if they charge us, we charge them."
— Donald Trump
President Trump expressed this sentiment while aboard Air Force One, a comment later reported by NBC News. The proposed plan aims to counteract the financial impact of import duties levied by other nations on American goods.
The timing of the announcement is strategic, as it could set the tone for President Trump's meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday. The meeting is expected to address a range of bilateral issues, including trade relations between the two countries. The introduction of reciprocal tariffs could serve as a crucial talking point, influencing the discussions' outcome.
The White House's decision to potentially proceed with the announcement before Modi's visit highlights the administration's commitment to addressing trade imbalances. It underscores a broader agenda to protect American economic interests in the global market.
"I do believe it will come before the prime minister's visit tomorrow."
— Karoline Leavitt
This statement from Leavitt encapsulates the administration's urgency in implementing this policy. It reflects an assertive stance in re-evaluating and reforming trade agreements with key international partners.