US Senators Steve Daines and Kevin Cramer have urged former President Donald Trump to press India to reduce tariffs on pulse crops during ongoing trade discussions. They argue that lower tariffs would benefit both American farmers and Indian consumers.
High Indian Tariffs Raise Concerns
The lawmakers cited findings from the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The agency reported that India’s average applied tariff on agricultural products stands at 39%. In comparison, the average tariff in the United States is about 5%. The USTR also highlighted technical rules and regulatory barriers. It said these measures restrict market access in sectors such as agriculture. According to the agency, these barriers have limited US exports to India.
Pulses Seen as a Key Opportunity
Daines and Cramer said pulse crops offer strong potential for trade cooperation. They believe discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on pulse tariffs could improve economic ties between the two countries. They described tariff reductions as mutually beneficial. American producers would gain new markets. Indian consumers could access pulses at more competitive prices.
Appeal to Trump on Trade Strategy
The Senators thanked Trump for supporting agricultural producers in North Dakota and Montana. They said his trade policies helped create a stronger environment for farmers. As negotiations move forward, they urged him to seek favourable terms for pulse crops in any trade agreement with India. They stressed that pulses should remain a priority.
Reference to Past Negotiations
The lawmakers recalled raising the same issue during Trump’s first term. Ahead of the 2020 trade talks with India, they sent a letter highlighting the impact of Indian tariffs on US pulse growers. They said Trump personally delivered that letter to Prime Minister Modi. According to them, this step helped bring American producers into trade discussions.
Impact on US Farmers
In their earlier communication, the Senators described Indian tariffs as unfair. They said the duties harmed US pulse exporters, especially after India lost its Generalised System of Preferences status in 2019. Following that decision, India imposed additional duties on US exports. Farmers felt the impact soon after.
Call to Expand Trade Opportunities
The lawmakers said American farmers are ready to support global food supply needs. They argued that US producers have the capacity to feed and fuel the world. They added that reducing trade barriers would help rebalance trade relations. Expanded market access, they said, would allow farmers to compete more fairly.
