Trump says ‘not too many exceptions’ as India seeks relief from US reciprocal tariffs

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he plans to limit exceptions to his tariff push, a day after he had indicated that not all of his threatened levies would be imposed on April 2 and that some countries may get breaks.

“I know there are some exceptions, and it’s an ongoing discussion, but not too many, not too many exceptions,” Trump said in an interview with Newsmax. “No, I don’t want to have too many exceptions.”

On Monday, Trump told reporters not all the new tariffs would be imposed on April 2, and said he may give "a lot of countries" breaks on tariffs, without providing details.

Trump’s back-and-forth comments on his tariff plans have sown confusion among investors and businesses in India, a key exporter to the United States, as New Delhi scrambles to secure exemptions amid ongoing trade negotiations.

India exported $66 billion worth of goods to the US in the last fiscal year, with an internal government analysis, according to Reuters, estimating that 87% of these exports could be hit by Trump’s reciprocal levies.

Indian officials fear a particularly severe impact on the $11 billion pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, which rely heavily on the US market.

Tariffs could also raise costs for pearls, mineral fuels, machinery, and electrical equipment by 6% to 10%, reported Reuters citing people aware of the matter.

Amid the uncertainty around the reciprocal tariff, a US trade delegation, led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, arrived in India on March 25 for talks with Indian officials.

The visit follows Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s trip to the US earlier this month and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with Trump last month, where both sides committed to a first-phase trade deal by autumn 2025.

Despite Modi being among the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his November election victory, the US president has repeatedly branded India a “tariff abuser” and “tariff king,” indicating that even allies may not escape his tariff net.

According to a Reuters report, New Delhi is prepared to slash tariffs on 55% of US imports worth $23 billion in what would be the largest tariff cut in years. “

Industry groups have warned the government that cutting tariffs under US pressure could open the door to cheaper Chinese goods, risking dumping and damage to domestic manufacturers.