Trump Defends 25% Tariff Policy, Says U.S. Seeks ‘Fairness,’ Not Leverage in Trade Talks

President Trump defended his 25% tariff policy, calling it a move for “fairness” rather than leverage. While India remains under the tariff, trade talks continue amid tensions over economic and geopolitical concerns. Trump stressed reciprocal tariffs and criticized past trade practices, aiming to protect U.S. manufacturers from global competition.

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his aggressive trade stance, stating that the United States is “not looking for leverage” but “fairness” when deciding tariff rates with global partners. Speaking in Pennsylvania on Sunday, Trump emphasized his administration’s desire for reciprocal tariffs, claiming the policy would boost the American economy significantly.

His comments follow ongoing negotiations with several countries, including India, which is currently facing a blanket 25% tariff imposed by the U.S. The move has stirred diplomatic concern, especially as Trump has criticized India’s growing ties with Russia, calling both nations “dead economies.”

Despite the rhetoric, a sixth round of bilateral trade talks is expected to proceed in August, with Washington and New Delhi reportedly working toward an early trade agreement based on an existing March 29 framework. Trump did not single out India during his remarks but acknowledged that achieving exact reciprocity on tariffs “may not be possible” for all countries.

Analysts believe the 25% tariff could be a calculated negotiation tool. Trump’s administration insists it's an effort to correct long-standing imbalances, where developing economies like India and China levy higher import duties to protect domestic markets, while benefiting from lower tariffs in wealthier nations.

The President accused his predecessor Joe Biden of mishandling trade and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting U.S. manufacturing from being undercut by cheaper foreign goods. “We are going to bring in hundreds of billions of dollars,” he declared, defending his approach.

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With global trade partners watching closely, and high-stakes talks on the horizon, the future of U.S. tariffs under Trump’s leadership remains both a political and economic flashpoint.