President Trump sided with American rice producers on Monday, announcing consideration of tariffs on Indian imports following industry complaints about unfair competition. The declaration accompanied a $12 billion agricultural support package designed to provide comprehensive assistance to struggling farmers.
Industry advocate Meryl Kennedy played a crucial role in bringing the issue to Trump’s attention. As founder of Kennedy Rice Mills and 4 Sisters Rice, Kennedy provided firsthand testimony about how international imports have created unsustainable market conditions for domestic producers facing higher operational costs.
The president reviewed information identifying India, Thailand, and China as countries allegedly engaging in rice dumping practices. Trump expressed strong skepticism about current trade arrangements, questioning whether India benefits from exemptions that allow unrestricted market access despite concerns about unfair pricing.
When Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned ongoing trade negotiations with India, Trump interrupted to emphasize that diplomatic processes should not protect countries engaged in dumping. The president promised to “take care” of the situation, signaling his administration’s willingness to act unilaterally if necessary.
Trump’s protective instincts extend beyond rice to other agricultural inputs, with the president suggesting tariffs on Canadian fertilizer. He argued that import restrictions would stimulate domestic production capacity, though critics warn that such policies could increase costs for farmers who depend on affordable fertilizer to maintain competitive operations.