US Farmers Accuse India of Unfair Rice Dumping; Trump Signals Potential New Tariffs on Agricultural Imports

us President donald trump has signaled that his administration may consider additional duties on agricultural imports – including Indian rice and Canadian fertilizer – as farmers complain that cheap, subsidized foreign products are harming domestic markets. The remarks were reported by Bloomberg.

Speaking at a White House roundtable to announce a $12 billion bailout package for American farmers, Trump said the government would look into allegations that several countries are dumping low-priced rice into the US market.

Farmers at the meeting urged Trump to take a stronger stance, arguing that subsidized rice imports are driving down domestic prices. Trump accused foreign suppliers of being dishonest and hinted that new tariffs may be imposed. He also suggested that fertilizer imports from Canada might face higher taxes to boost local production.

FARMERS ASKED WHICH COUNTRIES SHOULD FACE TARIFFS

Meryl Kennedy, CEO of Louisiana’s Kennedy Rice Mill, told Trump that China, Thailand, and India were among the main offenders, adding that Chinese shipments were arriving in Puerto Rico instead of the US mainland. “We in the South are really struggling,” she said. “We haven’t shipped rice to Puerto Rico in years.”

“The tariffs are working, but we need to double down,” Kennedy added.

“You want more?” Trump asked with disbelief.

“They shouldn’t be dumping,” Trump told the farmers, before asking Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to compile a list of countries allegedly engaging in unfair competition.

Kennedy began explaining how India might be relying on illegal subsidies to support its rice sector, but Trump cut her off: “Give me the countries if you could. Who else but India? Mark it down, Scott.”

Bessent identified China, Thailand, and India once again as the “main culprits,” adding, “But there are others too, and we can get you a full list.” Trump assured the farmers that he would “take care” of the issue soon.

According to Bloomberg, both Canada and India have been seeking deeper Trade agreements with the US, but negotiators have struggled to make substantial progress.

In August, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on several Indian imports, arguing that the move was necessary to penalize New Delhi for trade restrictions and continued purchases of Russian energy.

US DELEGATION TO DISCUSS TARIFFS IN INDIA

A senior US Trade Representative delegation led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer is scheduled to visit India on December 10 and 11 to restart trade negotiations. The talks aim to advance the long-pending Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

India’s chief negotiator, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, will lead the discussions. Speaking at the FICCI Annual General Meeting on November 28, Agarwal said he remained “very optimistic” that the first tranche of the BTA could be completed by the end of the year.