Washington. The United States is once again preparing to tighten restrictions on Indian basmati rice. President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly planning a fresh ban on the import of Indian rice, even though the U.S. already imposes a hefty 50% tariff—one of the highest in the world—on basmati coming from India.
This is not the first time America has tried to challenge India’s iconic basmati. Decades ago, the U.S. attempted to replicate India’s fragrant long-grain rice by introducing hybrid versions named Texmati and Jasmati. But both failed to match the aroma, texture, and quality of authentic Indian basmati and eventually faded into niche demand.
Texmati: The American Copy That Couldn’t Compete
Texmati was developed in the 1980s in Texas as a hybrid intended to reduce America’s dependence on imported Indian basmati. Despite this, Texmati could neither match basmati’s signature fragrance nor its soft, elongated grains. As a result, the hybrid could not replace basmati in the American market. Today, the U.S. remains one of the largest importers of Indian basmati, with American consumers preferring its aroma and delicate texture.
Jasmati Also Failed: U.S. Attempts Fall Short
Texas-based company RiceTec created another hybrid called Jasmati by combining long-grain American rice with basmati traits. The result was a rice variety that looked like basmati but carried a floral scent similar to Thai jasmine rice. While Texmati and Jasmati still exist in the market and are sold under brands like RiceSelect, their customer base is limited. They have never been able to overpower or replace India’s premium basmati. Today, more than 85% of all rice imported from India to the U.S. is basmati.
The Basmati Patent Controversy: India’s Strong Pushback
In 1997, RiceTec obtained a U.S. patent for Texmati-related claims, which sparked global outrage. India, along with several NGOs and international activists, strongly opposed the move. Following the backlash, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office modified 15 of the 20 original claims and removed the word “basmati” from the patent title. Although RiceTec continued to sell Texmati and Jasmati, its claim over the name “basmati” was revoked.
Trump’s New Threat: Fresh Restrictions Loom
Now, President Trump is reportedly preparing another round of restrictions targeting Indian rice imports. Experts believe the move may be aimed at supporting American rice growers. However, given the deep popularity of basmati among American consumers, India’s position in the U.S. market remains strong.
Indian basmati continues to prove that its unique fragrance and quality are unmatched—no hybrid has ever come close.