On Tuesday, Donald Trump denounced India, China, and Brazil as “tremendous tariff-maker(s)” and declared that his government would not permit the three to persist in this action. He stated, “… we are not going to allow that to happen any longer because we are going to put America first.”
The United States President, while addressing House Republicans at a Florida retreat, acknowledged that the three countries, which are founding members of the BRICS bloc, were acting in their own best interests. However, he also appeared to suggest that “… they mean us harm.”
“We are going to impose tariffs on foreign countries and individuals who are genuinely detrimental to us.” We are aware that they intend to cause us damage; however, their primary objective is to improve their own nation. Many countries, including India, Brazil, and China, are significant tariff-makers. Nevertheless, Trump declared, “We will not permit that to continue any longer… because we are committed to prioritizing America.” This statement was met with applause.
They were made shortly after it was revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet with Trump in Washington, potentially as early as next month. Monday evening, the two leaders conversed via telephone; it is uncertain whether tariffs were discussed; however, New Delhi’s perspective on “illegal immigrants” was.
Nevertheless, the US President’s perspective on India and tariffs is perceived as problematic by a significant number of individuals, as he criticized Delhi, the United States’ largest trading partner, as a “very significant abuser” during his campaign.
Trump also referenced a “very fair system” that would “very quickly” render the United States “richer and more powerful.” This was a continuation of his statement made following his inauguration last week, in which he stated, “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries… we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.”
Additionally, Trump stated that foreign companies, including those from India, China, Brazil, and other countries, would be required to “erect their plant in the United States.”
In addition, he informed the House Republicans of his intention to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and other materials that are essential to the American military. “We are required to restore production.” At one point, we created one ship per day. As of now, we are unable to… We have no idea what we are working on.
High tariffs on commodities imported into the United States, particularly from China, were a recurring theme during Trump’s campaign. In addition, he issued a warning regarding the imposition of “100 percent tariffs” on the BRICS nations in order to, in his opinion, quell any discussion regarding the non-use of the dollar as the common currency among the member nations.
Trump’s tariffs diatribe is driven by a clear economic agenda, despite the questionable methods employed. This agenda is to increase manufacturing in the United States. In an effort to accomplish this, he intends to increase the prices of critical commodities such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and steel. “Under the ‘America First’ economic model, as tariffs on other countries go up, taxes on American workers and businesses will come down and massive numbers of jobs and factories will come home.”
The opposing viewpoint is that of “tariff as a weapon,” which is underscored by the conflict between Trump and Colombia regarding deportations. The South American country initially refused to accept a plane loaded with ‘illegal immigrants’, only then to face massive 25 per cent tariffs and a trade war.
In the end, Colombian President Gustavo Petro conceded; it was inevitable.
White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt was quick to claim a ‘victory’, saying: “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again”, and Trump echoed that sentiment Monday, telling reporters “it serves the world well to look at” the Colombia spat.
