#BREAKING: White House Slams India’s Tariffs on Bourbon and Agriculture

In a pointed statement on March 11, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called out India for imposing what she termed “egregious” tariffs on American products, specifically a 150% tariff on Kentucky bourbon and a 100% tariff on agricultural goods.

Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, DC, Leavitt argued that these steep duties stifle U.S. exports, disproportionately affecting American distillers and farmers. Her remarks reflect the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign to address trade disparities and promote fair market access for U.S. goods globally.

India’s tariffs, some of the highest in the world, have long frustrated American exporters. The 150% levy on bourbon—a cultural and economic staple of states like Kentucky—renders it largely unaffordable in India’s growing market, while the 100% tariff on agricultural products undermines U.S. farmers’ ability to compete.

Leavitt’s critique suggests a broader push for India to reconsider its protectionist policies, aligning with President Trump’s “America First” doctrine, which prioritizes reciprocal trade agreements.

This escalation in rhetoric arrives as the U.S. navigates complex tariff wars on multiple fronts. The administration has hinted at retaliatory measures against nations it views as uncooperative, and India’s policies now sit squarely in the crosshairs.

Experts see Leavitt’s comments as a precursor to potential negotiations, with the U.S. likely seeking concessions to level the playing field. For now, American bourbon makers and agricultural producers remain hamstrung, watching closely as the White House pressures India to dismantle its towering tariff barriers.