Trump signals new tariffs as US farmers push back against cheap indian rice
US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that he may impose new tariffs on agricultural imports from India and Canada. He took this position after angry American farmers said cheap foreign goods were hurting their income. Bloomberg reported the comments as trade negotiations with both countries continued without a final deal.
Trump met Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, several lawmakers from farm states, and farmers at a White House roundtable. He heard direct complaints about falling crop prices. Farmers said cheaper rice from India and Thailand was flooding US markets. They argued that the low-cost shipments made it hard for local growers to survive. They also claimed that exporters were undercutting American crops.
Trump responded sharply. He said he would “take care” of the issue and made it clear that he would not allow what he called “dumping.” He turned to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and asked why Indian rice could enter US markets at such low prices. Bessent said the US was still working on a trade deal with India. Trump said negotiations could continue, but he would not allow unfair trade practices. He repeated that India “cannot do that” and must face tariffs if needed.
He shifted to another concern and talked about fertiliser imports from Canada. Farmers told him that imported fertilisers were hurting domestic producers. Trump said he wanted to strengthen US fertiliser production. He said Canada sent large quantities to the US and hinted that he could raise tariffs to push domestic output. He added that the US could produce its own fertilisers if policy encouraged it.
Trump also highlighted the aid he extended to farmers. He reminded the gathering about the $12 billion support package his administration announced. Farmers at the meeting thanked him for the relief, but they demanded stronger trade protections. Trump said he heard their concerns and would act quickly.
Tensions with India over trade have risen in recent months. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The package included a 25% penalty on Indian imports because New Delhi continued buying Russian oil. The new threat of tariffs on rice adds another strain to the ongoing negotiations. India continues to defend its agricultural exports as competitive rather than subsidised.
Meanwhile, US farmers want fast action. They say the market already shows deep stress. They see low global prices and high input costs. They want the administration to curb what they call unfair competition. They say they can compete only if the US enforces strong trade rules.
The meeting ended with Trump promising to protect American growers. He said the US would stand firm against trade practices that harmed domestic producers. He also said tariffs remained an option if talks with India and Canada failed to create what he viewed as a fair outcome.
