Donald Trump Backs 50% Tariffs to Boost US Economy, Cites India’s Strategy as Example: ‘That’s How They Survive’
New York, USA | April 26, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred global economic discussions by proposing aggressive tariff policies to protect American industries. Speaking at a campaign event in downtown Manhattan on Friday evening, Trump suggested that tariffs as high as 50% could “save and supercharge” the U.S. economy, citing India’s trade practices as a success model.
“Look at India — they charge tariffs like you wouldn’t believe, 40%, 50% on certain goods. That’s how they survive. That’s how they grow. We should be doing the same to protect American jobs,” Trump said to a cheering crowd of supporters.
This statement marks one of Trump’s strongest endorsements yet for a broad, high-tariff strategy as part of his 2025 presidential campaign.
Trump’s Tariff Playbook: Inspired by India?
During his speech, Trump praised India’s protectionist trade policies, claiming they have helped the South Asian giant shield domestic industries while building a robust economy.
“India takes care of its workers. They don’t just let everything flood in for free. We opened the floodgates under Biden — and now look where we are,” Trump argued, drawing a sharp contrast with current U.S. administration policies.
Economic analysts note that India imposes relatively high tariffs on foreign goods, especially in sectors like agriculture, electronics, and manufacturing, to boost local industries. Trump appears to advocate a similar approach for the United States, particularly against Chinese and European imports.
Critics Warn of Trade Wars
While Trump’s proposal energized his political base, many economists and trade experts warned that such sweeping tariffs could backfire.
Dr. Lisa Carter, a senior economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, cautioned:
“High tariffs might offer short-term protection, but they invite retaliation, raise prices for consumers, and disrupt global supply chains. India’s model works differently because of unique market conditions.”
Critics also point out that India’s domestic market and labor costs are vastly different from those in the U.S., making a direct comparison overly simplistic.
Trump’s America First 2.0?
Trump’s tariff-heavy economic plan is being dubbed by his campaign as “America First 2.0,” promising stronger manufacturing jobs, fewer trade deficits, and more independence from China.
In a follow-up interview with Fox News, Trump doubled down, saying,
“If other countries can do it and thrive, why can’t we? Tariffs mean power. Tariffs mean respect.”
As the 2025 election race heats up, Trump’s aggressive stance on trade is likely to become a central pillar of his pitch to working-class voters across key battleground states.
Global Markets React
Markets showed immediate jitters after Trump’s announcement, with the Dow Jones dipping 0.5% early Friday evening, while Asian markets braced for possible future tensions.
Several international trade groups and chambers of commerce also expressed concern, warning that a tariff war initiated by the U.S. could derail the fragile global economic recovery.
Meanwhile, officials in India refrained from making any public comments but privately welcomed the acknowledgment of their strategic trade practices.
