Donald Trump Threatens New Tariffs on Indian Rice and Canadian Fertiliser

Washington: President Donald Trump once again warned that the United States could soon impose steep new tariffs on rice imports from India and fertiliser shipments from Canada, citing the need to shield American farmers from foreign competition.

Speaking at a White House event where he announced a fresh $12 billion relief package for U.S. agriculture – funded largely by existing tariff revenue – Trump sharply criticised what he described as unfair agricultural trade practices by several countries, with India singled out over rice.

“Countries have taken advantage of us as nobody has ever seen before,” Trump told farmers and lawmakers in the East Room. “We’re bringing in trillions of dollars in tariffs now, and we’re using that money to help our farmers – because our farmers are the backbone of America.”

The president highlighted the growing presence of Indian rice in the U.S. market, noting that Indian companies now control the two largest retail rice brands sold in American supermarkets. A Louisiana rice grower told Trump the influx was “devastating” to southern producers.

“We’ll take care of it. It’s so easy – tariffs solve the problem in two minutes,” Trump responded. “They shouldn’t be dumping rice here. We’re going to stop it.”

He also turned his attention to fertiliser imports, a significant portion of which come from Canada, and suggested heavy duties could be applied if necessary. “We can make it all here. If we have to put very severe tariffs on Canadian fertiliser, we will – that’s how you bring production back home,” he said.

The remarks come as bilateral trade talks with both India and Canada remain stalled on agricultural issues. India has long faced U.S. complaints over rice subsidies and market-access restrictions, while fertiliser trade with Canada has emerged as a new friction point amid broader North American trade tensions.

The $12 billion assistance package is intended to offset low commodity prices and lingering inflation pressures that the administration blames on policies inherited from the previous Democratic government.

Trump framed the combination of tariff threats and direct aid as central to his “America First” strategy for revitalising rural economies and reducing reliance on imported food and farm inputs.

Also Read: 388 Days Missing, Crores Misused? NSUI Levels Shocking Charges Against TU Vice-Chancellor