Trump warns of potential tariffs on Indian rice and Canadian fertilizer, unveiling a $12B farm relief package to support American farmers.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned that he may impose additional tariffs on agricultural imports, particularly on rice from India and fertilizer from Canada, as trade negotiations with both nations proceed without significant advancement. Trump delivered these remarks during a meeting at the White House, where he announced a multi-billion-dollar farm relief package for American farmers while intensifying his criticism of agricultural imports from India and other Asian providers.

The Republican leader asserted that imports pose a challenge to domestic producers and reaffirmed his intention to address the matter by employing tariffs assertively to safeguard American manufacturers. He stated that the administration would allocate $12 billion in economic aid to American farmers, financed through tariff revenues collected from trading partners by the United States.

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“We are effectively receiving trillions of dollars, if you consider it,” Trump stated, further noting that nations “exploited us in ways never before seen.”

He characterized the new assistance as vital to stabilizing the agricultural economy following what he consistently referred to as inherited inflation and suppressed commodity prices. Farmers constitute an essential national resource and form the core of America’s foundation, he stated, emphasizing that the strategic use of tariffs was fundamental to his efforts to rejuvenate U.S. agriculture.

India was prominently cited as an example during an extensive discussion on rice imports, which a Louisiana producer characterized as detrimental to southern farmers.

When informed that Indian companies owned the two leading brands in the US retail rice market, Trump responded, “All right, and we will address it.” That is excellent. It is remarkably simple… Tariffs, once again, resolve the issue within two minutes.

They ought not to be disposing of… I understand, I have heard that from other sources. You are not permitted to do that,” he added.

He also proposed potential tariff measures on fertilizer imported from Canada to promote domestic production. A significant portion of it is imported from Canada, and consequently, we will impose very substantial tariffs if necessary, as this is the approach you favor to strengthen domestic production. He further stated, “And we can implement it here.” We are all capable of doing that here.

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India-U.S. agricultural trade has grown considerably over the past decade, with India exporting basmati rice, other rice products, spices, and marine commodities, while importing U.S. almonds, cotton, and pulses. Disputes concerning subsidies, market access, and World Trade Organization grievances—particularly related to maize and sugar—have intermittently strained bilateral negotiations.