Washington DC [US], April 6 (HBTV): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, according to a report by The New York Times, citing two US officials and one Israeli official.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The discussions may also include the implications of Trump's recently announced tariffs, which include a 17 per cent increase on Israeli goods imported into the United States.

On April 2, President Trump announced a broad imposition of tariffs on countries across the globe. In February, shortly after beginning his second term, Trump introduced a new trade policy centred on fairness and reciprocity. Under this approach, the US will impose reciprocal tariffs, charging other countries the same rates they impose on American goods.

Trump stated that these tariffs aim to correct unfair trade practices, including non-monetary barriers, subsidies, and VAT systems. He added that the policy is designed to prompt foreign countries to either reduce or eliminate tariffs levied on US exports.

According to the announcement, the revised import tariffs imposed on major countries include: China (34 per cent), the European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), the United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), and Israel (17 per cent).

From April 9 onwards, countries with the largest trade deficits with the US will face higher, individualised tariffs. India is among those affected, with a 26 per cent tariff imposed on all exports to the United States.

Meanwhile, US stock markets plunged on Friday, reacting sharply to the announcement of reciprocal tariffs. The Dow Jones index fell by more than 5.50 per cent, marking one of its steepest declines. The S&P 500 index dropped nearly 6 per cent by the close, while the Nasdaq fell 5.73 per cent, as investor concerns about a potential global economic recession intensified.

(ANI)