After years of U.S. prodding, India has agreed to allow imports of U.S. pork and pork products, said the Biden administration on Monday. India is the second-most populous country on Earth, but it imports very little pork. However, U.S. farm groups believe there are great sales potential.
“India’s agreement to allow U.S. pork imports for the first time is great news and a significant development for U.S. producers and for Indian consumers,” said U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the USDA would work with India “to ensure that the U.S. pork industry can begin shipping its high-quality products to consumers as soon as possible.”
The National Pork Producers Council said the agreement would end a de facto ban on U.S. pork. “After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is being opened,” said NPPC president Jen Sorenson.
In 2021, India was responsible for $1.6billion, or almost 1% of U.S. farm imports. The United States is the world’s second largest pork exporter.
The announcement on pork imports was the culmination of a pledge between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden last September to develop trade and investment relationships, said Nikkei Asia. “Monday’s announcement comes two days after the duo signed a framework agreement to allow market access to the United States for Indian mangoes and pomegranates, and to India for American alfalfa hay and cherries.”
Source: Successful Farming
