The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is thrilled with the announcement that India will lift its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. apples. The organization applauds the work of the Biden Administration and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that achieved this important victory.
USApple was an invited guest of the White House at the arrival ceremony for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. “We were honored to be part of this important day for U.S.-India relations,” said USApple President and CEO, Jim Bair.
“U.S. apple growers can now begin the work of competing for, and hopefully regaining, this critical market,” said Bair. “We look forward to once again shipping great apples to this valued trading partner.”
Prior to the U.S. imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum from India in 2018, the country was the number two market for U.S. apples – and quickly growing. When India retaliated by bringing total tariffs on U.S. apples to 70 percent, sales fell to nearly zero, costing U.S. growers half a billion dollars in sales.
Almonds and walnuts
Tariffs on almonds and walnuts will also be removed, allowing US exporters to sell into India at the same tariff rates as other major suppliers, including Australia.
According to information, one US exporter said “it’s fantastic news and allows us to compete with Australia on a level playing field rather than being undercut on price. It is also good news for the general Indian populace as these reduced prices should be passed on to consumers.”
With last week’s announcement, India will remove its retaliatory tariffs within 90 days.
