US President Donald Trump's recent comment on Monday indicated that he may consider fresh tariffs on agricultural imports, especially Indian rice and Canadian fertiliser. His remarks come at a time when trade talks with both nations continue without any major progress. Meanwhile, during a meeting at the White House, the American President announced USD 12 billion in fresh aid to US farmers.
Trump says he would…amid farm pressure
rump on Monday said that imports were challenging domestic producers, while reiterating his intent to tackle the issue. According to American farmers, cheaper imports are making it difficult for them to compete with other market players. Trump said he would "take care" of the alleged dumping of rice from India into the United States.
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'Why is India allowed to do that?" Trump asks US Secretary of the Treasury
These Farmers have indicated declining rice prices, while claiming that imports from countries such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam are undercutting their produce. "Why is India allowed to do that ("dumping rice into the US")? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?" Trump asks the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent.
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She responds, "No, sir. We're still working on their trade deal." The US President then responds, "They should not be dumping (rice)...They cannot do that..."
Trump signals new tariffs on Canadian fertiliser
Meanwhile, he also suggested new tariffs on Canadian fertiliser to encourage domestic production. "A lot of it does come in from Canada, and so we'll end up putting very severe tariffs on that, if we have to, because that's the way you want to bolster here," he said, adding, "And we can do it here. We can all do that here," Trump said. Trump's remarks come at a time when there is an ongoing economic pressure, including concerns about inflation and consumer prices.
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