WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has hinted at fresh tariffs on agricultural imports from India, especially rice, as trade talks with both countries are almost at a standstill.
Speaking at a White House meeting on Monday after announcing a $12 billion relief package for American farmers, Trump said these imports were hurting local producers. He repeated that he planned to address the issue soon.
Trump said he would “take care of’’ Indian rice that is allegedly being dumped in the US. American farmers have complained that falling rice prices are linked to cheap imports from India, Thailand and Vietnam.
“They shouldn’t be dumping,” Trump said. “I heard that from others. You can’t do that.”
Trade relations with India remain tense. Earlier this year, Trump placed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing trade barriers and India’s Russian oil purchases, accusing New Delhi of indirectly supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Since then, both sides have tried to restart trade talks.
A US delegation arrived in New Delhi on December 7 for another round of discussions, though officials do not expect major progress.
Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, is in India for a five-day visit aimed at improving strategic and economic ties.
