Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 9: US President Donald Trump on Monday signalled that his administration is considering fresh tariffs on Indian rice, alleging that the commodity is being “dumped” in the American market.

Speaking at the White House while announcing USD 12 billion in new support for US farmers, Trump said falling rice prices were hurting domestic producers. The issue was brought to his attention by rice baron Meryl Kennedy, founder of Kennedy Rice Mills and 4 Sisters Rice.

Trump said he had been given a list of countries allegedly “dumping rice” into the US, naming India, Thailand and China. “Tell me about India. Why is India allowed to do that? They have to pay tariffs, do they have an exemption?” he asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. When Bessent replied that a trade deal with India was still being negotiated, Trump cut in, saying, “They shouldn't be dumping… You can't do that.” He added that his administration would “take care” of the matter.

The US President also hinted at similar action against fertiliser imports from Canada, suggesting steep tariffs to push domestic manufacturing. “A lot of it comes from Canada… we’ll end up putting very severe tariffs on that if we have to. That’s how you bolster local production,” he said.

Trump’s comments come amid growing inflationary pressures and rising input costs faced by American farmers—one of his key voter bases. Trade negotiations with India and Canada have remained strained, with Washington earlier this year imposing 50% tariffs on several Indian goods, citing trade barriers.

A US delegation is expected to visit India this week for further talks, though officials have downplayed chances of any major breakthrough. Trump has also repeatedly flagged concerns over Canada’s trade practices, even indicating that parts of NAFTA could be revisited.