Trump Signals New Tariff on Indian Rice Amid Farmer Concerns

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that America may soon impose a new tariff on rice imported from India. Trump said that India should not be allowed to “flood the U.S. market with its rice,” and assured farmers that his administration would take strict steps if needed.

On Monday, during a meeting at the White House with farmers and agricultural representatives, Trump was joined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. In the meeting, Trump also announced a $12-billion federal assistance package for American farmers.

Meryl Kennedy, a member of the Kennedy Rice Mill family, told Trump that cheap rice from several countries is entering the U.S. market, causing major problems for American farmers. When Trump asked which countries are doing this, she replied: “India, Thailand, and China are selling their rice in Puerto Rico.” She added that Puerto Rico once used to be the biggest market for American rice, but U.S. rice hasn’t been sent there for years. She said the issue has existed for long, but the scale has increased recently, and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are helping—though they should be doubled.

After hearing this, Trump asked Treasury Secretary Bessent why India is being allowed to sell rice in the U.S. and whether India receives any tariff exemptions. Bessent clarified that India has no exemption, but the U.S. is still negotiating a trade agreement with India.