US Officials See Significant Trade Potential in Growing Indian Market

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor expressed optimism about expanding trade with India, citing the country’s recent tariff reductions on various agricultural products and its burgeoning young population and middle class.

“India’s recent tariff reductions on products like almonds, apples, walnuts, and others could increase agricultural exports from the US by an estimated $345 million this year alone,” Taylor commented during a press call on Wednesday.

Taylor highlighted India’s demographic shifts and the success of the new Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP) as key factors driving US interest in the Indian market. “The level of interest from US agricultural groups is clear, with $80 million in RAPP requests already received,” she noted.

The Undersecretary also sees potential in India’s ambitious goal of making E20 fuel available by 2025, presenting opportunities for US corn and ethanol industries. “This could mean expanded exports of both US ethanol or the feedstock to support India’s domestic ethanol production,” Taylor said, adding that this could also help address India’s animal feed shortage with protein-rich DDGs.

Katie Nelson, deputy director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, echoed Taylor’s enthusiasm, highlighting the benefits for Indiana’s corn and ethanol sectors. She also noted new export opportunities for Indiana’s duck and turkey producers due to the relaxed tariffs.