US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration may impose new tariffs on key agricultural imports—particularly Indian rice and Canadian fertiliser—as ongoing trade negotiations with both countries show little progress. Speaking at the White House while launching a multi-billion-dollar farm relief package, Trump argued that rising imports were undermining American farmers and insisted that aggressive tariff action could rebalance the market.
He announced $12 billion in economic assistance for US farmers, asserting that the funds come from tariff revenues collected from trading partners. Trump portrayed tariffs as a fast and effective tool to protect domestic producers, claiming foreign suppliers had long taken advantage of the United States. India featured prominently in the discussion after US rice growers warned that Indian-owned brands dominate the American retail market. Trump suggested that tariffs could quickly address what he described as unfair dumping practices.
He also floated the possibility of heavy tariffs on Canadian fertiliser to boost domestic production. The comments come as India–US agricultural trade continues to expand but remains burdened by disputes over subsidies, market access and WTO complaints, particularly concerning rice and sugar.
