US President Donald Trump has threatened fresh tariffs on India, Canada, and Mexico, citing violations of fair trade practices. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump indicated that new duties could target Indian rice imports and Canadian fertilizer, while also announcing a $12 billion support package for American farmers.
Trump expressed frustration over ongoing trade discussions with India and Canada, suggesting tougher measures may be needed to protect domestic producers.
He specifically cited concerns from US rice farmers, claiming imports from India, Vietnam, and Thailand have lowered domestic prices.
The president stressed that foreign rice should not be “dumped” on the American market and signaled a closer review of India’s trade practices.
Regarding Canada, Trump warned that severe tariffs could be imposed on fertilizer imports to encourage domestic production. “A lot of it does come in from Canada, and we’ll end up putting very severe tariffs on that if we have to,” he said.
Trump also targeted Mexico, threatening a 5% tariff over alleged violations of a 1944 water-sharing treaty.
He claimed Mexico owes 800,000 acre-feet of water to the US and demanded immediate release of 200,000 acre-feet before the end of December, citing harm to Texas farmers and livestock.
The announcement coincided with his $12 billion aid package for the US agriculture sector.
This latest move underscores mounting tensions in US trade policy and Trump’s willingness to use tariffs to address economic and resource disputes.
Mexican goods currently face a 25% tariff unless they fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a free trade deal struck during Trump’s first term and which Washington is aiming to renegotiate in 2026.
Trump met with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum last week on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss the future of the trade deal.
The talks marked the first in-person meeting between Trump and Sheinbaum.
