United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, July 30, that a 25% tariff will hit goods imported from India starting August 1.
He also warned that India would face another penalty, though he offered no details about the nature or size of the measure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump defended the decision by accusing India of long-standing unfair trade practices.
“While India is our friend, we have done little business with them,” Trump wrote.
“Their tariffs are among the highest in the world, and their non-monetary trade barriers are the most strenuous and obnoxious anywhere.”
He also criticised India for its defence and energy ties with Russia.
“They buy most of their military equipment from Russia,” Trump said.
“They’re also Russia’s largest energy buyer alongside China, even while the world is calling on Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine. None of this is good.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff wave extended beyond India.
Earlier in July, he stirred global concern by announcing a 30% tariff on exports from the European Union and Mexico, also set to begin August 1.
In a swift response, French President Emmanuel Macron slammed the move.
He labelled the tariffs as unjustified and urged the EU to launch strong countermeasures.
“This decision undermines months of good-faith negotiations,” Macron stated.
“It threatens to destabilise our long-standing trade relations.”
He joined forces with the European Commission to demand a unified response.
“France and the Commission both strongly oppose the 30% tariff,” Macron said.
“It’s now up to the Commission to defend the Union’s interests. That means preparing firm countermeasures without delay.”
He also called for using every tool available, including anti-coercion mechanisms, if no agreement is reached by August 1.
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has embraced controversial trade tactics.
His latest wave of tariffs adds new tension to global trade, especially as major economies brace for retaliation.
As the August deadline approaches, analysts expect sharp diplomatic pushback and potential trade disruptions between the US, India, and the EU.