Two senior US senators have written to President Donald Trump urging him to raise the issue of India’s high import tariffs on American pulse crops during ongoing and future trade talks between the United States and India.
The letter is dated January 16, 2026, and is signed by Kevin Cramer, US Senator from North Dakota, and Steve Daines, US Senator from Montana. Both states are major producers of pulse crops in the United States.
Key Demand in the Letter
The senators have urged President Trump to ensure that favorable pulse crop provisions are included in any trade agreement the United States signs with India. They argue that high Indian tariffs are hurting American farmers and limiting access to one of the world’s largest food markets.
Why Pulse Crops Are Important
- North Dakota and Montana are the top two pulse producing states in the United States
- Pulse crops include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dried beans
- India is the world’s largest consumer of pulse crops
- India accounts for nearly 27 percent of global pulse consumption
Despite strong demand in India, US pulse exports face major challenges due to high import duties.
India’s Tariff Decision
According to the letter, India announced on October 30, 2025 that it would impose a 30 percent import tariff on yellow peas.
The higher tariff came into effect on November 1, 2025. The senators described these tariffs as unfair and said they place US pulse producers at a serious competitive disadvantage when exporting to India.
Impact on US Farmers
The lawmakers warned that these tariffs make it harder for American farmers to compete with suppliers from other countries. This reduces farm incomes and restricts US access to a large and growing Indian market.
They emphasized that US farmers have significant capacity to meet global food demand if trade barriers are reduced.
Reference to Trump’s First Term
The senators noted that during President Trump’s first term, they had raised the same issue. At that time, Trump personally delivered their letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2020 US India trade negotiations.
They said Trump’s earlier efforts helped bring US pulse producers into trade discussions and expanded market opportunities for American farm commodities.
Call for Renewed Engagement With India
The letter urges President Trump to once again engage directly with Prime Minister Modi on pulse crop tariffs. The senators believe that lowering tariffs would benefit American farmers, support Indian consumers, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
BigBreakingWire Takeaway
The letter highlights growing pressure from US lawmakers to make agriculture a key issue in US India trade negotiations. With India being a major global consumer and the US a leading producer, pulse crop tariffs could become an important bargaining point in future trade talks.
Bringing you the latest updates on finance, economies, stocks, bonds, and more. Stay informed with timely insights.
Be First to Comment