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Trump Criticizes US Trading Partners as ‘Worse than Our Enemies,’ Announces ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’

Trump Criticizes US Trading Partners as ‘Worse than Our Enemies,’ Announces ‘Reciprocal Tariffs’

Just hours before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump announced his strategy for broad “reciprocal tariffs” that will impact both allies and adversaries, heightening global trade tensions that experts warn could result in domestic inflation.
“To ensure fairness, I’ve decided to impose a reciprocal tariff,” Trump stated in the Oval Office. “It’s fair for everyone. No other nation can argue against it.”

In his Oval Office address, Trump reaffirmed his stance, saying that American allies often act “worse than our enemies” regarding trade issues.

The president also remarked that India imposes “enormous” tariffs, which hindered Harley Davidson’s ability to sell motorcycles in that country. “India is traditionally at the forefront when it comes to tariffs. There are a few smaller nations that charge more, but India’s tariffs are significant. I recall that Harley Davidson was unable to sell motorcycles in India due to excessively high taxes and tariffs, which forced them to establish a factory there to circumvent paying those tariffs. This approach is something others can pursue with us as well. They can set up plants or factories here, which applies to industries like healthcare, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing,” Trump explained.
The tariffs will be specifically tailored for each trading partner, considering non-tariff factors such as value-added tax (VAT).
This announcement came just before Trump’s planned meeting with PM Modi in Washington. Analysts believe that developing markets like India and Thailand, which impose higher effective tariffs on US goods, could be significantly impacted, while countries with existing trade agreements may experience less disruption.
Peter Navarro, the president’s trade advisor, openly criticized the European Union’s VAT practices, remarking that “Major exporting nations around the globe undermine our markets with severe tariffs and even harsher non-tariff barriers.”
The United States will initially focus on those economies experiencing the largest trade deficits or exhibiting “most egregious issues,” as indicated by a White House representative.
The unnamed official suggested that the implementation of these tariffs could take “a few months, but not much longer than that.”
Trump acknowledged the likelihood of price hikes due to these tariffs but remained hopeful about future market stabilization.
Since taking office, Trump has enacted multiple tariffs targeting key trading partners, contending these actions rectify unfair practices and can drive policy changes.
The president perceives tariffs as means of generating revenue, resolving trade imbalances, and leveraging diplomacy.
The White House representative highlighted unfair trade practices and the absence of reciprocity as contributing factors to America’s ongoing trade deficit.
The memorandum he signed instructs the US Trade Representative, Secretary of Commerce, and other officials to suggest country-specific remedies.

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Harley Davidson News

Harley-Davidson Partners with Two-Wheeler Company for Exciting New Motorcycle Launch

HARLEY-Davidson is enhancing its collaboration with a two-wheeler manufacturer to unveil a brand-new motorcycle.

The renowned motorcycle brand is strengthening its partnership with Hero MotoCorp.

Harley-Davidson Partners with Two-Wheeler Company for Exciting New Motorcycle Launch

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Harley Davidson and Hero MotoCorp are extending their collaboration
The collaboration aims to develop a new motorcycle and broaden the X440 lineup

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The collaboration aims to develop a new motorcycle and broaden the X440 lineupCredit: Harley-davidson

This partnership promises to introduce a fresh array of choices for riders, focusing on new motorcycle development and expanding the X440 lineup.

The Harley Davidson and Hero MotoCorp partnership, which began with the successful launch of the Harley-Davidson X440, has proven beneficial for both brands.

Produced in Hero MotoCorp’s facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan, the X440 has already garnered popularity within the premium motorcycle market, starting at a price of $3,370.

Now, the companies are poised to leverage this success by unveiling new variants and tapping into further innovations.

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Industry experts predict that the new launches may include a scrambler model, along with various other adaptations of the X440.

Harley-Davidson fans can look forward to familiar iconic style and performance, now enhanced with updated features and potentially a broader price range to appeal to a variety of riders.

Hero MotoCorp seems to be pursuing a larger strategic objective.

The firm has articulated its vision to concentrate on premium motorcycles, targeting a segment where innovation and brand appeal play crucial roles.

In conjunction with the X440 expansion, Hero is readying the launch of two new 250cc models — the Xtreme 250R and the XMR 250 — set to debut in the coming months.

Also on the horizon is the eagerly awaited XPulse 421, which could be revealed later this year or early in 2026.

This strategic approach positions Hero MotoCorp as a formidable player in the premium motorcycle landscape.

Despite being the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by volume, this shift toward high-end motorcycles responds to a growing expectation for performance-oriented, aspirational bikes.

Reactions to the news have been overwhelmingly positive.

Initial impressions of the X440 have praised its accessible pricing coupled with Harley-Davidson heritage, striking a chord with Indian consumers.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about the designs and features of the forthcoming models, anticipating bold aesthetics, powerful engines, and cutting-edge technology.

Hero MotoCorp’s alliance with Harley-Davidson not only signifies a shift in the company’s market strategy but also reinforces Harley’s commitment to broadening the accessibility of its legendary motorcycles.

Amidst the rising competition in the premium motorcycle sector, this collaboration could establish a new standard for others to emulate.

This announcement follows the news of the sale of the longest-operating family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership in the US, after over 70 years of successful operation.

The Harley-loving owners have passed down their legacy to a dealership group, as they plan for their retirement.

The Cox family has run the establishment in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1961.

That legacy was recently signed over to Carson Baker, a motorcycle enthusiast and emerging star in the automotive scene, who closed the deal this past week.

Now, Jan Cox, one of the owners, looks forward to retirement and wishes for Baker to achieve the same success her family did.

In other news, riders are discovering that Harley offers a unique benefit that can aid customers in financing their purchases, a feature many may not be aware of.

The motorcycle giant oversees a program to assist riders with unexpected repair expenses.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, established in 1993, is a segment of the company that enables customers to finance their motorcycles and relevant parts and accessories.

It also provides options for motorcycle insurance and extended service plans to cover potential repair costs.

The XX40 is depicted above

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The XX40 is depicted aboveCredit: Harley-Davidson
The collaboration promises a plethora of new options

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The collaboration promises a plethora of new optionsCredit: Harley-Davidson