Donald Trump Looks to End India's ‘Unthinkable’ Trade Barriers, Hints at July Deadline Shift

The US is looking for the removal of full trade barriers with India, President Donald Trump said on Friday. This came after Trump hinted at a "very big" trade deal with India a day before.

Referring to doing business in India, Trump said that it is restricted and impossible to walk in there. "...India, I think we are going to reach a deal where we have the right to go and do trade. Right now, it's restricted. You can’t walk in there. You can’t even think about it,” Trump said, addressing a press conference at the White House. "We’re looking to get a full trade barrier dropping, which is unthinkable. I am not sure that that is going to happen. But, as of this moment, we agree to go to India and trade...," he added.

Trump said he planned to send out a letter over the next week and a half telling countries what US tariff rate they will have to pay. He also said that his July 9 trade deadline was not a fixed date.

"We can do whatever we want. We could extend it. We could make it shorter. I'd like to make it shorter. I'd like to just send letters out to everybody: Congratulations, you're paying 25%," Trump stated.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also suggested the possibility of an extended timeline, stating that agreements might be reached by the September 1 Labour Day holiday.

Trade activity has picked up, as on Thursday the US extended a fresh proposal to the European Union. Meanwhile, India also dispatched a team to Washington to advance ongoing trade talks.

India is pushing for a rollback of the proposed 26% reciprocal tariff imposed by the USS on April 2 and which is due to take effect from July 9. Sources told Reuters that India has offered tariff cuts on almonds, pistachios and walnuts and was willing to extend preferential treatment for American imports in sectors like energy, autos and defence.