The US has welcomed India’s recent move to reduce tariffs on several American agricultural products. Last week, India agreed to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. products, including frozen turkey, frozen duck, fresh blueberries and cranberries, frozen blueberries and cranberries, and processed blueberries and cranberries.
U.S. officials said the tariff cuts would expand economic opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers in the important market and help bring more U.S. products to customers in India.
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack welcomed the announcement, saying the move would create new market opportunities for American producers and exporters.
Vilsack said: “Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA (US Department of Agriculture) and USTR (US Trade Representative) have been focused on restoring confidence and strengthening relationships with our global trading partners, including India. And we are working through the WTO and elsewhere to ensure that these partners meet their commitments so that American agriculture can have full and fair access to key export markets. ,
This latest move follows India’s removal of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. apples, chickpeas, lentils, almonds and walnuts, a development that was announced earlier this summer and took effect this week.
“While significant progress has been made, significant tariff and non-tariff barriers remain to U.S. agricultural products entering the Indian market,” Vilsack said. Senator Amy Klobuchar in a statement welcomed the agreement to reduce tariffs on US turkey exports to India. He said that with this agreement, duty on export of frozen turkey products to India will be reduced from 30 percent to five percent.
“For too long, high tariffs have prevented American turkey farmers from exporting their products to India,” Klobuchar said. “That’s why I’m committed to leveling the playing field for American turkey farmers and producers and pushing for a solution to reduce trade barriers, and I’m pleased this agreement has been reached.
In a separate statement, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine said the move will help strengthen the India-US partnership while increasing demand for Virginia poultry and supporting economic activity in the Valley.
In 2021, Virginia was the sixth largest supplier of turkeys in the United States, having produced 14.5 million birds. Turkey production plays a critical role in Virginia’s poultry industry, generating $5.8 billion in direct economic impact and economic activity in the state. Contributes $13.6 billion.
Joel Brandenberger, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation, said the association appreciates the U.S. and Indian governments’ efforts to reduce tariffs. This move creates an important new market for American turkey producers and will give Indians more affordable access to nutritious, delicious protein.”
He said, “NTF congratulates the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA leadership on this achievement and we thank Senators Mark R. Warner and Thom Tillis for their leadership efforts in Congress to ensure U.S. turkey producers are effective in this regard can compete.” fast-growing market.
