U.S. plans tariff cuts on select pulses and farm goods

Days after India and the United States announced an interim tariff cut reciprocal trade framework, the White House released a detailed fact sheet on Monday. The document stated that India will reduce or remove tariff on American industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products. Importantly, the list included “certain pulses,” which immediately drew attention among policymakers and farm groups. The February 6 joint statement had listed several items but had not mentioned any sort of pulses. Because of this difference, analysts began examining whether the trade terms had expanded after the initial announcement.

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Tariff cuts list expands as pulses mention sparks farm sector concern

The fact sheet also named dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, wine, and spirits. In contrast, the earlier joint statement included almost the same products but excluded pulses. Officials had issued that statement after a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the call, both leaders agreed on a framework for an interim arrangement. They also reaffirmed their commitment to negotiate a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement in the coming months. As a result, trade experts now view the interim deal as a stepping stone toward a larger economic partnership.

Meanwhile, concerns grew in India’s agricultural sector, especially among farmers’ organisations and market observers. Therefore, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the issue at a press conference in Bhopal on February 8. He clarified that many staple farm products would not enter India under the agreement. He listed wheat, rice, corn, millet, onions, potatoes, peas, beans, fruits, and frozen vegetables. He also stressed that the government would protect domestic farmers and maintain food security. According to officials, the tariff changes will mainly affect select industrial goods and limited processed items. However, discussions continue, and negotiators from both countries will still finalise details before any large-scale implementation.

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