US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is weighing fresh tariff actions against India, Thailand and China over what he described as large-scale dumping of rice into the US market. The discussion surfaced during a policy meeting on agricultural support, where the president was briefed on falling domestic rice prices and rising competitive pressure from foreign suppliers.
The administration is reportedly examining whether imports from these countries have contributed to market distortions, especially at a time when Washington has rolled out significant financial assistance for American farmers facing rising costs and inflationary stress. The president also signalled that he intends to &ldquo;address&rdquo; the matter as part of broader trade negotiations with India, which remain stuck on several pending issues.
In a parallel move, the US is exploring tariff measures on fertiliser imported from Canada, arguing that higher duties could incentivise domestic production and safeguard farmer interests. Economic pressures, global uncertainties and the administration&rsquo;s renewed push for self-reliance have shaped these considerations, with officials warning that further trade actions cannot be ruled out.
Diplomatic efforts with both India and Canada have struggled to find resolution, especially after the US imposed 50% tariffs earlier this year on Indian goods citing trade barriers and energy purchases. A high-level US delegation is expected to arrive in New Delhi this week for talks, though expectations of a breakthrough remain cautious as tariff tensions continue to cloud bilateral ties.

US weighs new trade action as Trump flags India’s alleged rice dumping

Trump Signals Tariffs on Indian Rice

US weighs new trade action as Trump flags India’s alleged rice dumping

December 9, 2025 | 09:58 IST