WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced last week that the United States and India have agreed to resolve their last outstanding dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and lower tariffs on certain U.S. agricultural products, including frozen turkey, frozen duck, fresh blueberries and cranberries, frozen blueberries and cranberries, dried blueberries and cranberries, and processed blueberries and cranberries.
Last week’s announcement is an important development in the U.S.-India bilateral trade partnership, and builds upon the agreement finalized in June during Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit, which resolved six other WTO disputes.
Government officials and private stakeholders alike are praising Ambassador Tai for attaining this agreement and celebrating the expanded market access for American agricultural producers.
See what they are saying below:
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack: “We welcome today’s news that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on its imports of U.S. turkey, duck, cranberries and blueberries, creating new market opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters in the world’s most populous nation. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA and USTR have focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships with our global trading partners, including India, and working through the World Trade Organization and other venues to ensure that those partners live up to their obligations so that U.S. agriculture has full and fair access to key export markets.”
Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (VA): “Today, we’re proud to report that USTR has finally come to an agreement with India to reduce these retaliatory tariffs. This move will help strengthen the strong partnership between our two nations while generating increased demand for Virginia poultry and supporting economic activity in the Valley.”
Congressman Rick Larsen (WA): “India has agreed to reduce tariffs on frozen blueberries, which is good news for Washington state – the leading producer of blueberries in the United States. Thank you to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and her team for your continued work to ensure that Washington blueberry farmers can compete on level terms with other blueberry exporting countries and feed the world.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI): "Wisconsin’s cranberry growers produce second-to-none products that are enjoyed around the world. Thanks to this agreement, Wisconsin cranberry growers will be able to sell more products abroad, supporting our Made in Wisconsin businesses and economy and bolstering the Badger State’s proud reputation for world-renowned agricultural products."
Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN): “For too long, high tariffs have prevented American turkey farmers from exporting their products to India…I’m glad to see this agreement has been reached.”
National Turkey Federation: “The National Turkey Federation applauds the efforts by the U.S. and Indian governments to significantly reduce the tariffs. This move creates an important new market for U.S. turkey producers and will give Indians more affordable access to a nutritious, delicious protein. NTF congratulates the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the leadership of USDA on this accomplishment…”
USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC): “The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) applauds the decision to lower the tariff on imports of U.S. frozen turkey parts, whole turkeys, and duck by India. This is a significant, positive action. We very much appreciate our government’s ongoing efforts to increase access for U.S. poultry and egg products in India. The lowering of tariffs on turkey meat and for some duck exports is a great success.”
Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council: “We applaud the Biden Administration for their work to strengthen U.S. trade relations with India. India is a key market for U.S. blueberry producers, and we welcome the opportunity to bring more blueberries to Indian consumers.”
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