India rejected US accusations of “dumping” rice in the United States, saying its rice exports are primarily premium-grade basmati, which typically commands higher prices than non-basmati varieties, as per a report by Reuters.
“We don’t see a prima facie case of dumping, and as far as we know, the US has not started any anti-dumping investigation either,” Indian Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told a news conference, according to Reuters, on Monday, December 15.
Trump threatens more tariffs on Indian rice
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose more tariffs on Indian rice, accusing India of “dumping” its shipments into the US market, referring to a practice whereby a product is exported at a price lower than its normal price.
The threat comes at a time when India is already facing a 50% tariff on most of its products, including textiles, chemicals and food items such as shrimp.
India, the world’s largest rice exporter, shipped 20.2 million metric tons of rice in the 2024/25 financial year ending in March, including 335,554 tons to the United States, of which 274,213 tons were basmati rice.
India, US close to finalising trade framework: Agrawal
The threat also comes amid ongoing trade talks between India and the US. Commenting on the India–US trade deal, Agrawal said, “We are very close on the framework, which is likely to be done in a short period of time,” as per a report by ANI.
“I won’t put a time period until the negotiations are closed,” he added.
A team led by Agrawal met US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Delhi last week to discuss bilateral trade. “The recent visit of the USTR was important as it helped to take stock of our trade relationship, and also the stage at which we are in terms of the negotiations,” he said.