Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins and Congresswoman Julia Letlow have reached out to President Trump, urging him to impose tariffs on rice imports from several Asian countries. The lawmakers' request is aimed at protecting the U.S. rice industry, which they claim is being undermined by subsidized foreign rice.

In their letter, Higgins and Letlow stated, "Our American rice farmers and mills contribute more than $34 billion to the U.S. economy through jobs, investment, and sales to produce and process high-quality, safe rice." They highlighted that imports from India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Pakistan have doubled over the past decade. In 2024 alone, these imports reached a record $1.5 billion.

The letter further expressed concern about how these imports are affecting domestic producers: "These imports have displaced one-for-one purchases from rice mills in the mid-South and California as well as pressured lower prices."

To address this issue, Higgins and Letlow suggested that the administration consider imposing tariffs of up to 100% on rice imports from these countries until fair trade practices are established. "Until legal and fair trade practices from these countries occur," they wrote, "we respectfully urge your administration to use tools at your disposal...to help encourage a level playing field for U.S. rice farmers and processors."