Ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States have yet to reach a conclusion, and tensions have risen over agricultural tariffs. India had imposed a 30% tariff on US pulses, prompting American senators to appeal to President Donald Trump to address the issue in ongoing trade talks.
US Senators Advocate for Farmers
Senators Steve Daines and Kevin Cramer wrote to President Trump on January 16, urging him to include provisions in the trade deal that would benefit US pulse farmers. The letter highlighted concerns for farmers in North Dakota and Montana, who are among the top producers of pulses such as peas and lentils. India, on the other hand, is the largest consumer of pulses in the world, accounting for approximately 27% of global consumption.
India’s Tariffs Impact US Exports
The tariffs affect key pulses like lentils, chickpeas, dry beans, and peas—staples in the Indian diet. India had announced a 30% duty on yellow peas on October 30, 2025, which came into effect on November 1. These tariffs have significantly reduced the competitiveness of US pulse exports in India, causing losses for American farmers despite the high quality of their produce.
Past Precedent and Current Appeal
The letter reminded President Trump that during his first term, he personally handed a similar letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020 during trade talks, which had helped US farmers participate in negotiations. The senators urged Trump to engage with Modi once again to address the pulse tariff issue, emphasizing that resolving this dispute would be mutually beneficial for US producers and Indian consumers.
“As the US moves to balance trade disparities, our farmers are ready to help bridge the gap. Opening trade opportunities can allow them to supply food and fuel to the world while strengthening economic cooperation between our countries,” the senators wrote.
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