The US trying to gain greater access to Indian agriculture produce market, which is currently limited by tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Scott Sindelar, Minister-Counselor of Agricultural Affairs (for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) at the US Embassy in India told a select group reporters here that the US was “engaged” in dialogue with India to open up more for the US agriculture items.
In terms of bilateral trade in agricultural products, US had a deficit in 2015. India imported agricultural items such as almonds, cotton, apple, walnuts and pulses worth $ 1.33 billion last calendar year but exported shrimps, guar gum, spices and other agri-items worth $ 4.1 billion.
The value of US agricultural exports declined in 2015, reversing five consecutive years of export growth. Since 2000, developing countries—led by China—had been the main drivers of US export gains, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
After making some progress in pulses and soybean oil, the US is looking for export opportunities soybeans. Last year, India had imported 1.72 million tonnes of soy oil.
India prohibits genetically modified soybeans and non-genetically modified soybeans have a high tariff of 30 per cent, the US official mentioned. The US exporters consider India’s phytosanitary regulations and certifications for non-GM soybeans.
The US is also promote and expand market for a few items such as Washington apples and California walnuts through modern retail chains such as Spencers and Reliance Fresh.