US-India Trade Deal Should Include Better Access for US Pecan Exporters, Senators Say

A bipartisan group of senators asked U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to secure better access for pecan exporters to India as the two countries negotiate a trade deal. In a Sept. 20 letter, the senators urged Lighthizer to work to remove the “existing barriers” pecan exporters are facing, including a 36 percent Indian import tariff, compared with 10 percent tariffs on pistachios and almonds.

“Lowering the tariff on pecans would satisfy the demand of the Indian people for additional varieties of tree nuts without impacting India’s virtually nonexistent domestic pecan industry,” the letter said. The letter was signed by Sens. David Perdue, R-Ga., John Boozman, R-Ark., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., James Inhofe, R-Okla., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Doug Jones, D-Ala., Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

The senators said pecan prices are under pressure because of rising imports from Mexico, Chinese tariffs and the tree loss due to Hurricane Michael. The Indian middle class has “demonstrated” a desire for tree nuts, the letter said, and lowering Indian tariffs would satisfy the country's need without impacting its domestic pecan production.

“Gaining access to new markets for pecans will help stabilize the pecan markets while orchards are replanted and a trade deal is negotiated with China,” the letter said.