US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose fresh tariffs against India, Canada and Mexico, alleging they are violating fair dealings.President Trump  signalled that his administration may introduce new tariffs on agricultural imports, specifically Indian rice and fertilizer sourced from Canada. His comments came during a meeting at the White House, where he also announced a $12 billion support package for American farmers facing mounting economic pressures. 

The remarks highlight a growing frustration within the Trump administration as trade discussions with both India and Canada continue without any meaningful progress. Trump suggested that tougher measures may now be necessary to shield American producers from increasing competition. During the meeting, Trump reiterated concerns raised by US rice farmers, who claim that imports from India, Vietnam and Thailand have depressed domestic prices.

The president said he was determined to address what he described as “dumping" of foreign rice onto the American market. President Trump questioned his advisers about India’s trade practices, asking, “Scott, India. Tell me about India. Why is India allowed to do that? They have to tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?" In response, Scott Bessent clarified, “No sir. We’re still working on their trade deal." Trump pressed further, saying the country “shouldn’t be dumping," and instructed his team, “Give me the countries if you could. Mark it down, Scott," signalling his intent to review the issue more closely. 

“They shouldn’t be dumping," he said. “I heard that from others. You can’t do that." Farmers have argued that cheaper imported rice has eroded their market share at a time when production costs are rising and overseas opportunities remain limited. Trump said he would “take care" of the matter, hinting strongly that tariffs could be used as a tool unless India agrees to review its export practices. The president also spoke about the high volume of fertilizer imported from Canada, suggesting that new duties may also be introduced in this sector.

He argued that imposing tariffs could help encourage more domestic manufacturing. “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," he said. “That’s the way you want to bolster here. And we can do it here." President Trump also threatened to impose an additional five percent tariff on Mexico, alleging it is violating a water-sharing treaty. "I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn't released, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, saying crops and livestock were being badly affected in Texas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)