Overview
- In a Jan. 16 letter, Republican Senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines urged President Trump to secure favorable pulse-crop provisions in any trade agreement with India.
- The senators pointed to India’s 30% import duty on yellow peas, effective Nov. 1, 2025, arguing it leaves U.S. producers at a significant competitive disadvantage.
- North Dakota and Montana lead U.S. pulse production, and India is the largest consumer, accounting for roughly 27% of global pulse consumption.
- Bilateral Trade Agreement talks between the United States and India remain active but unsigned, with U.S. officials citing ongoing negotiations and India avoiding a fixed timeline.
- Tensions reflect wider tariff frictions, including Trump’s 50% duties on Indian goods in 2025 and India’s defense of farm protections for a workforce heavily reliant on agriculture.