Trump Doubles Tariffs on India to 50%
US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% extra tariff on India, sparking global criticism and concerns over fairness, especially as India plans a major export support mission.
In a sudden and controversial move, US President Donald Trump has signed a special order to add an extra 25% tariff on Indian goods. This decision comes just days after he warned India about continuing to buy oil from Russia. With this new tariff, Indian exports to the US could face up to 50% tax starting from 27th August 2025. Until then, India has a short window to try and negotiate with the US.
This heavy tariff is expected to seriously affect India’s clothing, chemical, jewellery, footwear, marine, and leather industries. The Indian government has strongly opposed the move, calling it unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. It has also said it will take all necessary steps to protect India’s interests.
What surprised many is Trump’s unclear reasoning. At a recent White House press conference, when asked why the US still imports chemicals and fertilizers from Russia while warning India about oil, Trump said he didn’t know about it and would “have to check.” This answer raised questions about whether he fully understands the global issues he is acting on.
Many are now questioning Trump’s decision-making style, saying he is acting without clear logic or fairness. Some even joked that he could randomly choose any number for tariffs just because he likes it — like 100%, because it’s his “favourite number.” These actions are being seen as examples of Trump’s unpredictable and self-focused leadership.
One such example is the naming of the US’s new 6th-generation fighter jet, the F-47. The name comes from Trump being the 47th president, and when asked about it, he simply said it was a beautiful number. This has further made critics say that Trump’s choices are often more about personal ego than practical strategy.
Even Trump’s own party members are not happy. Republican leader Nikki Haley supported India being questioned for buying Russian oil but criticised the unequal treatment. She pointed out that China, which also buys oil from Russia and is seen as a top rival by the US, was given 90 days to adjust before any tariffs, while India got no such relief. This has raised serious concerns about Trump’s fairness.
Earlier, Trump had also slapped a 50% tariff on Brazil. After that, he told Brazil’s President Lula he could call him anytime to talk. But Lula publicly said he would rather call other world leaders like China’s Xi Jinping and India’s PM Modi, not Trump, because Trump doesn’t seem interested in real discussions. This shows growing frustration among global leaders over Trump’s trade policies.
In response to this economic pressure, the Indian government is reportedly planning a ?20,000 crore Export Promotion Mission. The mission aims to support Indian companies that export goods worldwide. It will help exporters with better credit access, promote Indian brands globally, fix export-related issues, and make the process of selling products abroad smoother.
As tensions rise, people in India and around the world are watching closely to see how the situation develops — and whether Trump will continue making such bold moves, or if some balance will return to international trade policies.
