Today, the U.S. President Donald Trump talked about India reducing the customs duty on high end imported motorcycles by 50%. Trump said due to the reduction of high import duty on Harley Davidson the U.S. receives nothing. Trump further added the U.S. wants a fair and reciprocal trade deal.
Trump said, “When they (Harley Davidson) send a motorcycle to India, as an example, they have to pay 100% tax.” Trump further added, “Now the Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi,) who I think is a fantastic man, called me the other day and said we are lowering it (customs tax) to 50%. I said okay but so far we are getting nothing. So we get nothing. He gets 50% and they think we are doing… like they are doing us a favor. That is not a favor.”
Trump stated he was not sure how to respond when Modi informed him about the reductions in customs tax. Trump further described Modi as a beautiful man and added Modi conveyed the message (customs tax) to him beautifully. Trump’s sarcastic talk actually turned out to be a beautiful jibe. Trump said, “He said it so beautifully. He is a beautiful man.”
Trump said, “I said, huh. What do I say? Am I supposed to be thrilled? and that is not good for you people, especially as governors. It is just not right and we have many deals like that.” Trump claimed the U.S. gets nothing when they purchase an Indian motorcycle.
Trump was quoted saying, “So when they (India) have a motorbike, a big number by the way they have a company that does a lot of business. They have a motorcycle that comes into our Country, the number is zero. We get zero. They get 100% brought down to 75%. Brought down, now, to 50%. Okay.”
Trump said he spoke to the Chairman of Harley Davidson. India’s reduction in the customs taxes led to Harley Davidson getting ripped off from what they deserve. Trump further added the Chairman was surprised when he brought up the issue. Trump claimed India sells a lot of motorcycles to the U.S. This is the second time this month Trump pulled up the issue about the import duty on motorbikes by India.
