Sep 13, 2023

India trade dispute resolution to benefit U.S. blueberry, cranberry exports

With U.S. negotiators announcing resolution of the U.S.-India World Trade Organization poultry dispute, India will reduce tariffs on certain products, including fresh and processed berries.

As part of the agreement, India also agreed to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. products, including fresh, frozen, dried and processed blueberries and cranberries as well as frozen turkey and frozen duck.

The openings followed major trade breakthroughs in June, according to a news release from the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office. The news was publicized by USTR Katherine Tai, who stated the two countries agreed to resolve their last outstanding dispute at the World Trade Organization: India — Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Agricultural Products (DS 430).

The tariff cuts should expand economic opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers in a critical market and help bring more U.S. products to customers in India, USTR officials said in the release.

The announcement follows President Biden’s Sept. 8 meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India, for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. In August, Ambassador Tai met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, following the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting. During that meeting, Ambassador Tai and Minister Goyal discussed the WTO dispute and the two expressed their shared desire to reach a solution soon, according to the release.

“Resolving this last outstanding WTO dispute represents an important milestone in the U.S.-India trade relationship, while reducing tariffs on certain U.S. products enhances crucial market access for American agricultural producers,” Ambassador Tai said in the release. “These announcements, combined with Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit in June and President Biden’s trip to New Delhi this week, underscores the strength of our bilateral partnership. I look forward to continuing to work with Minister Goyal to deliver inclusive economic opportunities for our people.”

In June, the U.S. and India agreed to terminate six outstanding disputes at the WTO. India also agreed to reduce tariffs on certain U.S. products, including almonds, walnuts, apples, chickpeas, lentils, boric acid, and diagnostic reagents.

The agreement resolves the remaining longstanding dispute and opens a new chapter of bilateral cooperation that will deepen the trade relationship between the U.S. and India, according to the release.

The Joint Statement on the 13th Ministerial-level meeting of the Jan. 11 U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum can be found here.