Newz Desk, Durgapur: In a sharp escalation of his rhetoric on agricultural imports, US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration may consider new tariffs on Indian rice and Canadian fertilisers, citing concerns raised by American farmers over falling prices and increasing foreign competition.
The remarks were made during an interaction at the White House shortly after Trump rolled out a $12-billion support package aimed at stabilising the domestic farm sector. Without naming specific tariff percentages or timelines, Trump said that imported rice—particularly from India, Thailand, and Vietnam—was “hurting American producers.”
“They shouldn’t be dumping,” he said, referring to allegations by US farmers that cheaper rice imports are undercutting local crops. “I heard that from many people. You can’t do that. And we’ll take care of it.”
Trump also hinted that Canadian fertilisers could face “very severe tariffs” if necessary, saying that boosting domestic production remains a priority: “A lot of it comes from Canada. We can produce it here. And if we need to, we’ll impose tariffs to strengthen our farmers.”
India Keeps Watch as US Trade Envoy Arrives
Responding to questions on the developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Monday that Rick Switzer, the new US Deputy Ambassador for Trade, will visit New Delhi on December 10 and 11. The visit is part of an early outreach effort by Washington’s trade team.
MEA officials described the trip as a “familiarisation” exercise, adding that both sides remain committed to concluding a “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trade agreement across multiple sectors.
Background: A Slow, Sensitive Negotiation
India and the US have been engaged in prolonged trade discussions, with agricultural tariffs and market access emerging as key friction points. Trump’s latest comments come at a delicate moment, raising concerns that unilateral tariff decisions could inject fresh tensions into negotiations.
While India has not yet issued an official response to the tariff threat, trade experts say New Delhi is likely to emphasise the importance of data-driven assessments instead of allegations of dumping.
Farmers, Markets, and the Road Ahead
US farm lobbies have long criticised low-priced rice imports, claiming they depress domestic prices. However, Indian exporters argue that their price competitiveness stems from efficient supply chains, not unfair practices.
Any move by the US to impose fresh tariffs may trigger reciprocal measures, potentially affecting bilateral trade that already faces multiple points of contention—from IT services to medical devices.
For now, all eyes are on Switzer’s New Delhi visit, which could determine whether both countries can steady the dialogue or head toward a renewed tariff confrontation.
Image courtesy@internet
