The White House expects Trump to issue an executive order on reciprocal tariffs before his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he might approve the new tariffs by the end of Wednesday or early Thursday.
US President Donald Trump has underlined his commitment to levy “reciprocal tariffs” on other countries, potentially escalating global trade tensions, according to AFP. Trump said on Wednesday that he may sign an order imposing tariffs within a day.
According to The Hindu, the White House anticipates Trump to issue an executive order on reciprocal tariffs before his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, February 13, 2025. During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to pursue a policy of “an eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount,” implying penalties equal to those charged by foreign countries on American goods.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he might approve the new tariffs by the end of Wednesday or early Thursday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also indicated that an announcement was expected before Trump’s meeting with Modi.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners. On Wednesday, a White House official told AFP that his administration intends to put a 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imports, in addition to existing tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Earlier in February, Trump proposed a 25% duty on Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% levy on Canadian energy imports. However, he temporarily suspended these taxes for a month after reaching an agreement with both countries to bolster efforts against illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum might soar to 50 percent if the suspension expires without further changes, according to Trump official who spoke with AFP on condition of anonymity.
While negotiations with North American trade partners continue, Trump has already issued separate orders imposing a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports beginning March 12.
