White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has declared a “time for reciprocity,” calling out the “unfair trade practices” and showing evidence to reporters.
Leavitt made the remarks during a press conference outside of the White House on March 31, where she listed off numerous tariffs that foreign nations have imposed on American products and arguing that the Trump administration has every right to respond with equal tariffs on those nations.
The White House press secretary highlighted the European Union, Japan, India, and Canada as several nations that have implemented tariffs on the U.S., yet are angry that the Trump administration is trying to retaliate. Leavitt noted that it is “time for reciprocity,” as President Donald Trump plans to announce a round of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, a day the president labeled “Liberation Day in America.”
America’s small businesses – which make up 99% of private sector employers – will be the biggest beneficiaries of President Trump’s fair trade policies.
Restoring Made in the USA is good for our economy, our workers, AND our national security. https://t.co/EzxbulGdYu
— Kelly Loeffler (@SBA_Kelly) March 31, 2025
Holding up a chart on a piece of paper, Leavitt stated: “If you look at the unfair trade practices that we have: 50% from the European Union on American dairy. You have a 700% tariff from Japan on American rice. You have a 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products. You have nearly a 300% tariff from Canada on American butter and American cheese. This makes it virtually impossible for American products to be imported into these markets, and it puts a lot of Americans out of business and out of work over the past several decades.”
While it is common for countries to impose tariffs on foreign goods in order to protect industries vital to their economies, the United States has repeatedly allowed foreign products to flood into the country and destroy our own industries — leading to the shuttering of businesses and the destruction of communities that relied on those businesses. As The Daily Wire noted, “As the world’s largest economic powerhouse, the United States has allowed foreign imports to flood its markets while American exports have been on the receiving end of stiff tariffs. The Trump administration argues that the tariff discrepancy is unfair and hurts American companies and workers.”
Leavitt also vowed during the press conference that Trump would usher in “historic change” for U.S. trade relationships with his planned tariffs.
“Unfortunately, these countries have been ripping off our country for far too long,” the press secretary added. “And they’ve made their disdain, I think, for the American worker quite clear.”
.@PressSec details the unfair trade practices that are hurting American business:
– 50% tariff from the EU on American dairy
– 700% tariff from Japan on rice
– 100% tariff from India on agricultural products"This makes it virtually impossible for American products to be… pic.twitter.com/PI9inicgdX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 31, 2025
