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Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that he would take a "very kind" approach toward trading partners as he prepares to introduce additional tariffs this week. The move, which could stir global economic unrest, is aimed at correcting what he describes as unjust trade imbalances. Since assuming office in January, Trump has leveraged presidential authority in unprecedented ways. He hinted that specifics on these "reciprocal tariffs" might be revealed as soon as Tuesday night, with an official announcement potentially coming by Wednesday.

"Liberation Day"

The Republican billionaire emphasised the necessity of reciprocal measures, arguing that the United States, as the world’s leading economy, has been "exploited by every nation globally." He vowed that these actions would usher in a "Liberation Day" for the country. Further sector-specific tariffs may also be part of the plan. When pressed for details on Monday, Trump told reporters, "You’ll find out in two days—maybe tomorrow night, or likely Wednesday." He added, "We’re going to be very nice, relatively speaking, and show kindness in our approach."

"India charges 100% tariff on agri goods, time for reciprocity"

However, the White House has used stern language to address the tariff issue on the same day. The White House has said India imposes a 100 per cent tariff on American agricultural products and the high levies charged by other countries make it "virtually impossible" for US products to be exported to those nations. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the high tariffs charged by India and other countries on American goods. He plans to roll out a set of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, which he says will be "Liberation Day" for the US.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said, "Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our nation for far too long, and they've made, I think, their disdain for the American workers quite clear." "If you look at the unfair trade practices - we have 50 per cent (tariff) from the European Union on American dairy and a 700 per cent tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100 per cent tariff from India on American agricultural products and nearly 300 per cent from Canada on American butter and cheese.

"This makes it virtually impossible for US products to be imported into these markets and it has put a lot of Americans out of business and out of work over the past several decades," she said. As she listed the high tariffs imposed by many countries, Leavitt held up a chart that showed tariffs charged by India, Japan and other nations. On the chart, two circles with the colours of the tri-colour highlighted the tariffs that India imposes.

"So it's time for reciprocity, and it's time for a president to make a historic change, to do what's right for the American people and that's going to take place on Wednesday," she said.

Earlier this month, Trump had said the current tariffs were "temporary" and "small ones” but the "predominant" tariffs that will be reciprocal in nature, will start from April 2 and they will be a "big game-changer for our country". Leavitt did not spell out the specifics of what the tariffs will look like and which countries will be impacted. "I will let the President make the announcement on Wednesday, but it's certainly going to be ensured that there's reciprocity and the American people are treated fairly,” she said.

The press secretary underlined that Trump has a "brilliant team of trade advisors" including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, White House aide Peter Navarro, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor.
She added that Vice President J D Vance has been "deeply involved" in these conversations. "All of these individuals have presented plans to the President on how to get this done, and it's the President's decision to make, and we will not get ahead of him on the specifics of the announcement," Leavitt added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also Read: 'PM Modi Is A Very Smart Man...': Trump Applauds India's Leadership But Spotlights Its High Tariff Status | WATCH