US Lawmakers Call for Fair Trade on Pulse Crops with India
Two Republican senators from the United States have directly appealed to President Donald Trump. They want him to address what they call unfair Indian tariffs on pulse crops during upcoming trade negotiations.
Montana and North Dakota Senators Lead the Charge
Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota sent a letter to the President on January 16. Their states rank as the top two producers of pulse crops in America. These crops include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dried beans.
India stands as the world's largest consumer of these products. It accounts for roughly 27 percent of global pulse consumption. The senators argue that high Indian tariffs create a major problem for American farmers trying to export there.
The Specific Tariff Issue
The lawmakers highlighted a recent decision by New Delhi. On October 30 last year, India announced a 30 percent tariff on yellow peas. This new duty took effect on November 1, 2025.
"As a result of the unfair Indian tariffs, US pulse crop producers face a significant competitive disadvantage," the senators wrote in their letter. They believe this hurts the ability to sell high-quality American products in the Indian market.
A History of Advocacy and Future Hopes
This is not the first time these senators have raised the issue. They recalled that during President Trump's first term, they sent a similar letter ahead of 2020 trade talks with India. They noted that Trump personally delivered their concerns to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at that time.
That previous engagement, they said, helped bring US producers to the negotiating table. Now, they are pushing for action again as trade discussions move forward.
Daines and Cramer stated that engaging Prime Minister Modi on this topic would benefit both nations. They called it "mutually beneficial" for American farmers and Indian consumers alike. Lower tariffs could enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Broader Trade Context
The senators thanked President Trump for his past efforts to support agricultural producers. They encouraged him to seek favorable provisions for pulse crops in any future trade deal with India.
They pointed out that American farmers have tremendous capacity. "They are ready to help fill the gap," the letter stated, referring to trade disparities. The lawmakers believe unleashing trade opportunities allows US agriculture to feed and fuel the world.
Their 2020 letter cited additional challenges. It mentioned that India's removal from the Generalized System of Preferences in June 2019 led to more duties on US exports. They argued that Indian tariffs have substantially harmed American pulse crop producers.
The appeal from Daines and Cramer underscores ongoing trade tensions. It highlights the specific agricultural sector where US lawmakers seek a more level playing field with India.
