US Commerce Secretary Escalates Pressure on India, Brazil

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned in a NewsNation interview that countries including India, Brazil and Switzerland “need to be fixed,” urging them to open markets and stop policies that harm American interests. He defended steep U.S. measures, including 50% tariffs on many Indian and Brazilian imports and a recent 100% duty on branded/patented pharmaceuticals. The 100% duty has particularly pressured Indian drugmakers, which derive roughly 40% of their revenue from the U.S. market. Lutnick also criticized India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude and said countries seeking access to U.S. consumers must “play ball with the President.” Brazil has filed a WTO complaint, imposed reciprocal tariffs, and its president has rebuffed negotiations, deepening the diplomatic rift. Lutnick said remaining talks with countries such as India, Brazil and Taiwan will continue but may take time as businesses feel pressure to return to the table.