Trump warns India against dumping rice, threatens tariffs.
India emerged as a key example in a long debate on rice imports, which one Louisiana farmer said devastated southern growers.
US President Donald Trump has once again turned his attention to agricultural imports, issuing a fresh warning that he may impose new tariffs on key products coming into the United States — particularly rice from India and fertiliser from Canada. His remarks, made during a meeting at the White House, came as the administration unveiled a massive farm relief package aimed at supporting American farmers who say they are struggling under the pressure of cheaper imports and prolonged trade disagreements.
During this meeting, which also included several agricultural producers and industry representatives, Trump spoke at length about what he views as an unfair playing field for American farmers. He argued that while the United States keeps its markets open, other nations allegedly exploit loopholes, provide heavy subsidies to their own farmers, or flood the US market with underpriced goods. India emerged as a central example in his comments, with Trump suggesting that the country’s rice exports in particular have hurt domestic growers.
For years, American rice producers — especially those in southern states like Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas — have complained that they are being undercut by the sharply lower prices of imported rice. During the discussion, one Louisiana producer described the current situation as “devastating” for southern growers, saying that domestic farmers are unable to compete with cheaper rice coming from India, which is one of the world’s largest exporters.
Trump picked up on this sentiment and used it to reinforce his broader argument that tariffs are necessary to protect American jobs and industries. “We have to stop allowing countries to dump their products into the United States,” he said, adding that India has been “taking advantage” of the US agricultural market for too long. He signaled that unless trade talks with New Delhi show meaningful progress soon, his administration will consider “strong, aggressive action” — including imposing new tariffs on rice imports.
The President did not stop there. He also criticised Canada, particularly its fertiliser exports to the United States. According to Trump, Canadian suppliers have been able to sell fertiliser at rates that undercut American producers, putting further pressure on the domestic farming industry. He suggested that trade discussions with Canada have dragged on without significant breakthroughs, and warned that tariffs could be introduced if Ottawa does not make concessions.
All of this came as Trump announced a sweeping $12 billion economic assistance package designed to provide relief to American farmers caught in the middle of global trade disputes. The money, he said, would come from tariff revenues the US is already collecting from other trading partners. Trump argued that this funding demonstrates how tariffs can be used not only as leverage in negotiations but also as a source of financial support during economic transitions.
“We’re really taking in trillions of dollars, if you think about it,” Trump said confidently, though economic experts have often challenged this claim, noting that tariff revenues in reality are paid largely by American importers and consumers. Still, Trump framed the funds as proof that his aggressive trade policies are working, and that they are generating revenue that can be redirected to help US farmers weather the storm.
Throughout the meeting, Trump repeatedly portrayed the United States as a nation that has been treated unfairly for decades — a recurring theme in his trade rhetoric. He insisted that other countries have manipulated trade rules, subsidised their producers, and benefited from America’s openness while giving little back in return. According to him, this imbalance has weakened US agriculture and manufacturing, and justified the need for tariffs and tougher negotiating positions.
Farmers at the event had mixed feelings. Some expressed relief that the government was stepping in with financial help, especially after several difficult seasons marked by droughts, rising costs, and fluctuating global prices. Others, however, voiced concern that escalating tariff threats could spark retaliatory measures from countries like India — an outcome that could ultimately limit access to global markets for American crops.
India, for its part, has consistently dismissed allegations of dumping. Indian officials have previously argued that their rice exports follow international trade rules, and that global rice prices depend on factors like supply, demand, and production cycles. Still, tensions between the two nations have increased over the years, especially under Trump’s earlier term, when the US withdrew trade preferences that had benefited Indian exporters.
Despite these complexities, Trump appeared determined to send a message: the United States will not hesitate to act if it believes its farmers are being harmed. He vowed that his administration would continue working to rebalance trade relationships and ensure that American producers are not “pushed aside” in their own market.
As the meeting concluded, Trump reaffirmed his belief in tariffs as a powerful tool — both economically and politically. He reminded the audience that he had promised to put American workers first and insisted that he would not back down now. Whether these new threats will translate into concrete action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump’s trade agenda continues to revolve around a fierce defence of US agriculture, with India now squarely in the spotlight once again.