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India Secures Zero-Duty US Access for Agri Goods, Protects Dairy Sector

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has assured that the India-US trade agreement does not compromise the country's sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors. He stated that several Indian products, including tea, spices, and fruits, will gain zero-duty access to the US market. The minister emphasized the deal is designed to protect farmers' livelihoods while expanding export opportunities. Goyal expressed confidence that the agreement will strengthen the economy and benefit businesses and workers.

Key Points: India-US Trade Deal: No Compromise on Dairy, Farmers, Says Goyal

  • Zero-duty US access for Indian tea & spices
  • Dairy sector fully protected
  • Farmers' interests remain paramount
  • Deal aims to boost exports & economy
2 min read

No compromise on India's agri and dairy sector: Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal assures no concessions on sensitive agri & dairy sectors in India-US trade pact, details zero-duty exports for Indian goods.

"There has been no compromise on India's dairy sector; nothing has been opened with any conditions. - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, Feb 7

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that the farmers' interests remain paramount and no concessions have been extended to sensitive agricultural sector produce in grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, oilseeds, dairy, poultry and meat, among others.

Replying to a question from IANS during a press meet here, Goyal said the country has secured preferential access for Indian goods through the India-US Interim Agreement framework.

"There has been no compromise on India's dairy sector; nothing has been opened with any conditions," Goyal responded.

He informed that several Indian products will now be exported to the US with zero duty, like tea, spices, coconut oil, vegetable wax, areca nut, Brazil nuts, chestnuts, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

According to Goyal, vegetable roots, cereals, barley, bakery products, cocoa products, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and citrus juice will also face no reciprocal tariffs and will now enter the US market duty-free.

He further emphasised that the trade deal does not harm farmers' interests and aims to protect their livelihoods while expanding export opportunities.

This deal will provide a huge opportunity to take India's economy forward at a faster pace, said Piyush Goyal, highlighting how the agreement will benefit businesses, farmers, and workers alike.

He added that with a stronger economy, all 140 crore citizens will celebrate prosperity, just like Diwali, once again.

The deal is fair and balanced and that the India-US trade agreement protects farmers, supports exporters, and strengthens bilateral economic ties, he mentioned.

He added that the India-US partnership will strengthen trade ties, boost exports, and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

"I can say with full confidence that this India-US agreement does not harm the interests of India's farmers, MSMEs, or the handloom and handicraft sectors in any way," Goyal emphasised.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows trade closely, the "no compromise on dairy" line is the most important. The US dairy lobby is powerful. If India held its ground there, it's a significant achievement. The duty-free access for spices and fruits is a great opportunity for exporters.
A
Ananya R
Promises are good, but implementation is key. I hope the benefits actually reach the small farmers and MSMEs, not just the big corporations. The government must ensure proper support systems are in place for our farmers to truly leverage these export opportunities.
V
Vikram M
Finally, some good news for our agricultural sector! Zero duty on tea and spices to the US is huge. Our Darjeeling tea and Malabar spices can dominate the premium market there. This is the kind of strategic deal we need.
K
Karthik V
The comparison to Diwali for prosperity feels a bit over the top, but the intent is good. My main concern is reciprocal tariffs. What did we give up? The article says "no reciprocal tariffs" on some items, but the full details matter. Hope it's as balanced as they claim.
P
Priya S
This is reassuring for my family in Punjab. The fear of dairy and wheat being impacted was real after the protests. If the minister's words hold true, and farmers' livelihoods are protected while getting new markets, it's a step in the right direction. 🤞

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