US, Dec 09 : President Donald Trump on Monday signalled the possibility of fresh tariffs on agricultural imports specifically Indian rice and Canadian fertiliser as trade negotiations with both countries continue to stall.
Speaking at the White House while announcing USD 12 billion in new support for American farmers, Trump said rising imports were hurting domestic producers and vowed action to protect the sector.
Trump said he would “take care” of what he described as the dumping of Indian rice in the US market. Farmers have repeatedly blamed falling rice prices on cheaper imports from India, Vietnam and Thailand.
“They shouldn’t be dumping… you can’t do that,” Trump said, adding that he had been alerted by several stakeholders.
The President also hinted at potential tariffs on fertiliser imports from Canada, saying higher duties may be required to “bolster” domestic production. “We’ll end up putting very severe tariffs on that, if we have to,” he said.
The remarks come at a time of economic uncertainty, with American farmers facing high production costs and fluctuating market prices. The agricultural community one of Trump’s strongest voter bases has been seeking relief from the pressures created by ongoing trade disputes.
Negotiations aimed at stabilising US trade ties with India and Canada have struggled to make headway. Earlier this year, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing trade imbalances and energy policy concerns. A US delegation is expected to visit New Delhi this week, but officials do not anticipate a major breakthrough.
Trump has also maintained pressure on Canada, previously warning of higher duties on products outside the North American trade agreement and even hinting at revisiting parts of the pact.