As trade talks with Canada and India move slowly, US President Donald Trump has hinted that he would slap fresh taxes on agricultural imports, especially Canadian fertilizers and Indian rice.
Following the announcement of a $12 billion support plan for American farmers, Trump made these comments during a White House meeting on Monday (local time). He also stated that the imports were making it difficult for domestic producers and reaffirmed his intention to solve this issue.
The President of the United States promised to "take care" of the alleged dumping of Indian rice into the country. According to him, American farmers have voiced their concerns about the declining price of rice, saying that their crops are being undercut by imports from nations like Vietnam, Thailand, and India.

"They shouldn't be dumping," Trump declared. "I mean, I've heard that from other people. You are unable to accomplish that.
It has been challenging to maintain trade links with both Canada and India.
IREF responds to Trump's remarks
The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) responded to Trump's remarks by stating that Indian rice was subject to a 10% duty in the US market before the most recent tariff rise. The tax has increased by 40 percentage points with the implementation of a 50% tariff. Exports have persisted despite the sharp increase, highlighting rice's status as a necessary commodity in the consumer basket.

According to Dev Garg, vice president of IREF, "the Indian rice export industry is resilient and globally competitive." India's rice exports are well-diversified among international markets, even though the US is a significant destination. The Federation is working closely with the Indian government to expand the markets for Indian rice and strengthen current trade ties.
Canadian fertilizer tariffs
In an effort to increase domestic output, Trump has also alluded to new duties on Canadian fertilizers. "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 stated. "And this is where we can accomplish it. Here, we can all accomplish it.

Trump has brought up tariff conflicts with Canada on multiple occasions, threatening to increase taxes on goods not covered by the North American trade agreement. He has even alluded to revisiting the deal in recent remarks.

Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, met with Trump earlier in October, marking his second trip to the White House since taking office earlier this year. Trump stated during the discussion that he thought a trade deal could eventually be struck between the two parties, but he did not offer specifics or a date.
The US economy is struggling.

Trump's comments coincide with the ongoing challenges facing the US economy. One of Trump's main supporters, American farmers, have also been facing pressure from harder market conditions and increased input costs, which have been connected to tariff measures.
US-India trade negotiations
Citing trade hurdles and India's purchase of crude oil from Russia, Trump levied 50% tariffs on Indian imports earlier this year, accusing New Delhi of financing Russian President Vladimir Putin's conflict in Ukraine. To remove the obstacles, the two parties have since attempted to negotiate trade discussions.
On December 7, a US delegation arrived in India for additional negotiations, but authorities do not anticipate a breakthrough.The five-day visit by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker is intended to strengthen strategic and economic connections between the two countries.