Trump argued that foreign imports, particularly from India, are “dumping” rice into the US market, hurting southern growers. He vowed to act swiftly, saying tariffs could “solve the problem in minutes
BY PC Bureau
December 09, 2025: US President Donald Trump has warned of potential new tariffs on agricultural imports, highlighting Indian rice and Canadian fertiliser, in a move closely tied to his broader protectionist trade agenda. Speaking at a White House roundtable with farmers, lawmakers, and senior officials, Trump unveiled a $12 billion farm relief package, emphasizing that the funds would come from tariff revenues already collected from trading partners.
Trump framed the assistance as essential to stabilising the US farm economy, which he said has been hit by “inherited inflation,” depressed commodity prices, and unfair competition from cheaper imports. Calling farmers “an indispensable national asset” and “part of the backbone of America,” he described tariffs as both a tool to safeguard domestic producers and a source of funding for the relief measures.
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India emerged as a central focus during discussions on rice imports. A Louisiana producer described how rising shipments from India, Thailand, and Vietnam were depressing prices and threatening southern growers. Trump said Indian rice exporters were “dumping” into the US market, adding, “They shouldn’t be dumping… you can’t do that.” On learning that Indian firms own two of the largest retail rice brands in the US, he remarked, “All right, we’ll take care of it. Tariffs solve the problem in minutes.”
Trump also highlighted fertiliser imports from Canada as a possible target for new levies, noting that boosting domestic production was a key objective. “A lot of it comes in from Canada, and we’ll put very severe tariffs on that if needed… That’s how you bolster your own industry,” he said. The remarks suggest that trade frictions with Ottawa could intensify if negotiations fail to progress.
WATCH | Trump threatens new tariffs on India, says the country should stop ‘dumping rice’ in the US. pic.twitter.com/h5SHh2h3me
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) December 9, 2025
Over the past decade, India–US agricultural trade has grown steadily. India exports basmati and non-basmati rice, spices, and marine products to the US while importing almonds, cotton, and pulses. However, the relationship has been punctuated by disputes at the World Trade Organization over subsidies, export incentives, and market-distorting practices, particularly involving rice and sugar. Earlier tariff rounds, including retaliatory duties on almonds and apples, have already made agriculture a sensitive aspect of bilateral ties.
A US trade delegation is expected to visit India soon for discussions covering agricultural market access, industrial tariffs, and digital trade. Trump’s public warnings of “very severe tariffs” serve both as a signal to New Delhi and Ottawa and as a domestic message to farm-state constituencies that his administration is prepared to act aggressively against perceived unfair trade practices. While American farmers may welcome short-term relief, exporters in India remain concerned about losing access to a key market, underscoring the high stakes in the ongoing negotiations.
