Kejriwal Urges 100% Tariffs on US Goods: A Bold Move Amid Trade War?

hemant Kadam
6 Min Read

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Arvind Kejriwal has publicly demanded a 100‑percent tariff on American goods, citing the recent 50‑percent US tariffs on Indian goods as overreach and a betrayal of Indian farmers.

Background / Context

The latest exchange between Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions between India and the United States. Washington’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, recently announced a 50‑percent surcharge on a range of Indian products—citing India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil—as retaliation for India’s perceived economic support of Russia. In an effort to moderate fallout, the Indian government has temporarily lifted the 11‑percent duty on cotton imported from the United States. Kejriwal’s calls for a 100‑percent tariff on U.S. goods thus represent a stark counter‑offensive, framing U.S. actions as a betrayal of Indian farmers and framing Trump as a “coward.”

Historically, tariff disputes between the two nations have focused on steel, auto parts, and consumer goods. This is the first significant time an Indian political leader has suggested a sweeping top‑level tariff response that could affect millions of consumers and industry stakeholders across the country.

Key Developments

During a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Kejriwal bluntly blamed the Modi administration for “betraying farmers” by removing the duty on U.S. cotton. He added:

  • “If Trump imposes a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, we should impose 100 percent on American goods.”
  • He labelled the U.S. President a “coward,” alleging that the U.S. bullied India into weakening tariff barriers on its own imports.
  • The AAP chief cited the expected cost savings of ₹15–₹20 per kilogram for U.S. cotton, threatening that domestic farmers face quota disadvantages.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has extended a temporary duty‑free window for U.S. cotton until 31 December to cushion exporters, but the remarks from Kejriwal threaten to alter the broader trade dialogue.

The statement also surfaced amid growing chatter in the media about the possibility of India renegotiating its trade relationship with the U.S. over the next few months. Analysis from the Institute for Economic Policy suggests that a full‑scale tariff war could cost India up to ₹17 trillion over a decade, with significant repercussions for manufacturing and agriculture.

Impact Analysis

For businesses operating in the textile and apparel sectors, the potential 100‑percent tariff would likely mean a sharp rise in costs, translating into higher prices for end users or margin compression for manufacturers. In contrast, consumer electronics importers could face increased duties on critical components such as semiconductor chips.

Students studying international commerce or supply chain management should note that tariff dynamics directly influence sourcing decisions, cost structures, and market entry strategies. A sudden hike in U.S. tariffs could shift sourcing patterns toward Asian partners, altering regional economic linkages.

From a broader socioeconomic perspective, farmers—especially those in major cotton-growing states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab—are at risk of price volatility. The entry of cheaper U.S. cotton could undercut domestic producers, potentially leading to lower incomes and heightened pressure on agricultural subsidies.

Expert Insights / Tips

According to Dr. Neha Gupta, a senior economist at the International Trade Centre, “Companies should diversify source portfolios and monitor duty schedules closely. Early engagement with trade experts can help businesses model different tariff scenarios and mitigate risk.”

  • Advisory Tip 1: Conduct a cost‑benefit analysis of U.S. versus Indian cotton in the short and long terms.
  • Advisory Tip 2: Engage with commodity traders to explore hedging options for tariff exposure.
  • Advisory Tip 3: For students, consider internships in trade policy departments to gain firsthand experience on how tariff changes shape strategic decisions.

Law firm KPMG’s industry guide indicates that firms can file “safe harbor” filings under the WTO compliance framework to pre‑empt potential retaliatory duties.

Looking Ahead

In the next 48 hours, both governments are expected to convene a high‑level trade working group to explore a possibility of a counter‑tariff agreement or a phase‑in plan that would reduce the shock to markets. Analysts predict that, should India pursue a 100‑percent tariff, it may either be met with a unilateral U.S. response or a broader strategic realignment with other trade partners such as the European Union and ASEAN.

Students and industry stakeholders are advised to monitor official channels and trade newsletters closely for any shift in policy, as changes in tariff structures will ripple through the entire global supply chain ecosystem.

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