Washington D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff regime officially came into force at midnight on Thursday, targeting nearly 70 nations, with India facing a total of 50% import duties — one of the steepest levies imposed in the latest trade action.
Marking the enforcement on his social platform, Truth Social, Trump declared:“It’s Midnight!!! Billions of Dollars In Tariffs Are Now Flowing Into The United States of America!”
This statement followed an earlier post where he said, “Reciprocal tariffs take effect at midnight tonight! Billions of dollars, largely from countries that have taken advantage of the United States for many years, laughing all the way, will start flowing into the USA.”
India in Focus
India was hit with a 25% tariff last week, and now, an additional 25% tariff has been imposed for its ongoing purchase of Russian oil — bringing the total to 50%. This second duty is set to be implemented on August 27, following a 21-day notification period under the Executive Order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates.”
Other nations included in the sweeping tariff plan:
- Japan: 15%
- United Kingdom: 10%
- Pakistan: 19%
- Sri Lanka: 20%
- Laos & Myanmar: 40% each
Trump’s order signals a renewed push for what he calls “economic fairness,” a core part of his “America First” platform.
Potential Fallout
India has not officially responded to the tariff hike yet, but diplomats and trade experts warn that it could complicate India’s balancing act between Washington and Moscow, especially amid global tensions.
