“Liberation Day” Tariffs Spark Outrage Across US-India Communities
New York, April 3 – Indian-American members of the US Congress, policy experts, and diaspora leaders have condemned former President Donald Trump’s new 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, branding the move “reckless and self-destructive.” The sweeping measure, unveiled under what Trump called “Liberation Day” tariffs, targets imports from around 60 countries, including major US trading partners like India, China, Mexico, Canada, and Japan.Trump claimed the tariffs were in response to what he described as unfair treatment: “India charges us 52 per cent, so we will charge them half of that – 26 per cent.”
Lawmakers Warn of Rising Prices and Economic Fallout
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi slammed the tariffs, warning they could deepen economic distress for American families and small businesses.He added that the tariffs alienate allies, isolate the U.S. globally, and do nothing to improve national security or economic strength, instead burdening seniors and working families with higher prices.“These latest so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs are reckless and self-destructive, inflicting financial pain on Illinois at a time when people are already struggling to keep their small businesses afloat and put food on the table,” said Krishnamoorthi.
Congressman Ro Khanna echoed the criticism in a strongly worded video posted to his social media account.
“Trump is literally trying to destroy our economy with his Liberation Day tariffs... no strategy, no consultation, no congressional input,” Khanna said, adding that Americans should brace for higher prices on cars, groceries, and home goods. “We could have stagflation—slow growth and higher inflation—all because of Trump’s incoherent, incompetent economic policy.”
Tariffs Called a “Tax Hike” on Americans
California Representative Dr. Ami Bera was equally direct in his response:“Let me be clear: these tariffs will not make America wealthy again. These costs will be passed onto YOU— the American consumer. This is not a tax cut. This is a tax hike.”
Trade Experts Warn of Global Ripple Effects
Ajay Bhutoria, a former Biden advisor and economic subcommittee co-chair for the AANHPI Commission, warned that the tariffs could deal a heavy blow to both Indian exports and the American household budget.He also warned of broader implications: “The decision injects market uncertainty and risks disrupting global supply chains, possibly pushing Japan, South Korea, India and others to diversify markets or pursue countermeasures.”“This sweeping policy will likely make Indian goods—such as textiles and pharmaceuticals—less competitive... hitting American consumers hard with an estimated additional $2,500 to $15,000 in annual expenses,” Bhutoria said.
Bhutoria called for immediate dialogue between the US and India to mitigate economic damage and preserve the long-standing bilateral trade relationship.
“Shock to Our Trading Partners,” Says Asia Society Expert
Wendy Cutler, Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted the tariffs are likely to trigger backlash even from America’s closest allies.Cutler warned of broader economic consequences: “We can expect global economic growth to start plummeting as trade flows decline, prices increase, and businesses put off investments.”“Our close partners appear to be treated similarly to our rivals... This is difficult to understand,” she said, pointing to Taiwan’s minimal tariff difference despite its major investments in the U.S.
She added that legal challenges invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are expected, as foreign governments scramble to seek exceptions from Washington.
