“Unfair tariffs”: US Senators ask Trump to seek relief for pulse exports to India

Two US lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to seek favourable provisions for pulse crops in any future trade agreement with India, citing what they described as unfair tariffs imposed by New Delhi on American agricultural exports. They said the current tariff structure puts US producers at a major disadvantage.

In a letter dated January 16, Republican Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said their states are the top producers of pulse crops in the US, while India is the world’s largest consumer, accounting for around 27% of global consumption.

The Senators noted that lentils, chickpeas, dried beans and peas are among the most widely consumed pulse crops in India, but face substantial import duties. They highlighted India’s decision to impose a 30% tariff on yellow peas, effective from November 1, 2025.

“As a result of the unfair Indian tariffs, US pulse crop producers face a significant competitive disadvantage,” the lawmakers said, adding that high-quality American produce struggles to access the Indian market under current conditions.

They argued that engaging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on reducing pulse crop tariffs would strengthen economic cooperation and be mutually beneficial for American farmers and Indian consumers. The lawmakers encouraged Trump to raise the issue as trade negotiations progress.

Recalling Trump’s first term, the Senators said a similar appeal ahead of the 2020 trade talks helped bring US producers into discussions. They added that American farmers have the capacity to meet global demand if trade barriers are eased.