Harsha calls on Govt. to prepare for US reciprocal tariffs

Friday, 7 March 2025 06:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva

Main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday called on the Government to take urgent, proactive measures in response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India.

Taking to ‘X’ he warned that Trump’s tariff policies towards India should serve as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka.

He stressed the importance of pre-emptive action to safeguard Sri Lanka’s trade relations with the US — its largest export market. “We need urgent, proactive measures to address before trade walls block our access to the US – our largest export market,” he noted.

Dr. de Silva emphasised that inexperience is not an excuse, whilst extending to assist the Government.

“As #COPF Chair, I’m ready to assist,” he added.

On Tuesday, addressing a Joint Session of the US Congress US President announced reciprocal tariffs on trade partners regardless of the level of their economic development, with tariffs on India set to kick in from 2 April.

Trump also announced a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, citing stalled negotiations. Additionally, a 10% tariff on Chinese imports is set to take effect, meaning all three of America’s top trading partners now face significantly higher trade barriers than they did just weeks ago.