US President Donald Trump signaled new tariffs on Indian rice during a White House meeting with farmers complaining of dumping. He instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to list countries harming American farmers. This comes alongside a $12 billion aid package announcement.
On December 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump signaled new tariffs on agricultural imports, including Indian rice and Canadian fertilizers, during a White House roundtable. The meeting included Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, lawmakers from farm states, and farmers who thanked him for support. Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers affected by trade disputes.
Farmers accused cheap foreign imports, particularly rice dumping, of driving down domestic prices. Merrill Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy Rice Mill in Louisiana, told Trump that India, Thailand, and China are top offenders. She said, "Tariffs are working, but we need to double them."
Trump responded, "They're cheating." He asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, "Why is India allowed to do that (dumping rice into the US)? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?" Bessent replied, "No, sir. We’re still working on their trade deal." Trump emphasized, "They shouldn’t be dumping. They cannot do that."
Trump also suggested severe tariffs on Canadian fertilizer imports to boost domestic production. Earlier in August, he imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil.
Meanwhile, US-India trade talks resume on December 10 and 11. A US Trade Representative delegation led by Deputy Rick Switzer will meet with Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to advance the bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Both sides aim to stabilize economic ties amid ongoing tensions.
