US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration may consider imposing new tariffs on agricultural imports, including Indian rice, following strong complaints from American farmers who allege that cheap, subsidised foreign goods are damaging the US market. During a White House roundtable—where Trump unveiled a $12 billion support package for farmers—participants urged him to act against what they described as “unfair dumping” by several countries.
Farmers specifically named India, Thailand, and China as major contributors to falling domestic rice prices, claiming that subsidies abroad allow foreign producers to sell at artificially low rates. Trump responded firmly, saying such practices constitute “cheating,” and directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to prepare a list of countries accused of undercutting US markets. He also hinted that Canadian fertiliser imports could face steep duties next.
Trump assured farmers that he would “take care” of the matter swiftly, signalling a tougher trade stance ahead. The development comes at a time when both India and Canada are seeking to stabilise relations with the US through new trade agreements, though progress remains slow. Meanwhile, a senior delegation from the US Trade Representative’s office is set to visit New Delhi on December 10–11 to continue negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement, which India hopes to conclude before year-end.
