'Deal done with UK and China, next India'; US President Donald Trump clears air

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump hinted at an imminent trade deal with India. Trump’s new plans for a trade deal with India come amidst the US threatening to impose tariffs on 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea.

“We made a deal with the UK, we made a deal with China. We are close to making a deal with India. We don't think we can make a deal with some of the countries that we have been talking to earlier. So we have sent them a letter," Trump said. Trump released a letter yesterday stating that he will impose high tariffs on fourteen countries, including Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh.

Additional tariffs on these countries will take effect from next month. If those countries request more time, the US will consider extending the time. South Korea and Japan will be subjected to 25 per cent tariffs, Myanmar and Laos to 40 per cent tariffs, South Africa to 30 per cent tariffs, and Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Tunisia to 25 per cent tariffs. Indonesia will be subject to 32 per cent tariffs, Bosnia and Herzegovina to 30 per cent tariffs, and Bangladesh and Serbia to 35 per cent tariffs. In addition, Cambodia and Thailand will be subject to 36 per cent tariffs, Trump said.

The United States had earlier warned that it would impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on countries in the BRICS after accusing them of pursuing anti-American policies. Trump confirmed that he would not retract this decision.

Earlier, reports had emerged about the United States preparing to impose heavy tariffs on countries that use Russian oil.