Washington: In a significant development, India has recently taken steps to lower tariffs on various American agricultural goods, a move that has been warmly received by the United States.
The U.S. government expressed its appreciation for India’s decision to reduce tariffs on specific American products. These products include frozen turkey, frozen duck, fresh blueberries, cranberries (both frozen and dried), as well as processed blueberries and cranberries.
U.S. officials believe that these tariff reductions will open up new economic opportunities for American agricultural producers in a crucial market, facilitating increased exports of U.S. goods to Indian consumers.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hailed the announcement, emphasizing the creation of fresh market opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters. He highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening global trading relationships, including with India. Vilsack noted that the U.S. is actively working through channels like the World Trade Organization to ensure that trading partners honor their obligations, granting full and fair access to key export markets for U.S. agriculture.
While acknowledging the progress made, Vilsack also acknowledged that substantial tariff and non-tariff barriers to American agricultural products entering the Indian market still exist.
Senator Amy Klobuchar lauded the agreement to reduce tariffs on U.S. turkey exports to India. This agreement will decrease tariffs on frozen turkey products exported to India from 30 percent to 5 percent. Klobuchar expressed satisfaction that this agreement levels the playing field and reduces trade barriers for American turkey farmers and producers.
In a separate statement, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine emphasized that this move will not only strengthen the partnership between India and the U.S. but also boost demand for Virginia poultry, supporting economic activity in the region.
In 2021, Virginia ranked sixth in turkey production in the U.S., with 14.5 million birds produced. Turkey production is a vital component of Virginia’s poultry industry, which has a direct economic impact of USD 5.8 billion and contributes USD 13.6 billion to the state’s economy.
Joel Brandenberger, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation, praised the efforts of both the U.S. and Indian governments in significantly reducing tariffs. He emphasized that this development opens up a crucial new market for U.S. turkey producers and provides Indians with more affordable access to a nutritious and delicious source of protein.
The National Turkey Federation expressed gratitude to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the leadership of USDA, as well as Senators Mark R. Warner and Thom Tillis, for their role in ensuring that U.S. turkey growers can effectively compete in this rapidly growing marketplace.
