‘Going To Put America First’: Trump Calls China, India ‘Tremendous Tariff-Makers’

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday labelled China, India and Brazil as “tremendous tariff-maker(s)” and said.

That his government would not allow such practice any longer, emphasising his commitment to putting “America First.” He further pledged to impose tariffs on nations that “harm” the United States, specifically pointing to the three countries—founding members of the increasingly influential BRICS bloc—but acknowledged that they acted in their respective best interests.

“We’re going to put tariffs on outside countries and people that really mean harm to us. Well… they mean us harm, but they basically want to make their country good,” said Trump while addressing the House Republicans at a Florida retreat.

“China is a tremendous tariff-maker, and India, Brazil, and so many other countries. (But) we’re not going to let that happen any longer… because we’re going to put America first,” Trump declared.

The comments came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Trump, and emphasised their shared commitment to working together for global peace and stability. However, it remains unclear whether tariffs were on the agenda during the phone call between both leaders.

It has emerged that PM Modi is likely to meet Trump in Washington, as early as next month. The US President’s stance on India and tariffs is viewed by many as contentious, especially since he criticised New Delhi, the US’ largest trading partner, as a “very big abuser” during his presidential campaign.

Trump reiterated his vision of creating a “very fair system” to “very quickly” make the US “richer and more powerful,” echoing statements he made after being sworn in last week. He declared, “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries… we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.”

Trump further stated that foreign companies—whether Indian, Chinese, Brazilian, or others—could avoid these steep tariffs by choosing to “build your plant right here in America.”

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