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India to allow U.S. pork and pork product imports
The U.S. will be able to export pork to India for the first time.
USTR Katherine Tai and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday a new agreement with India removes a trade barrier and will allow U.S. pork and pork products into India after working out details during the U.S. India Trade Policy Forum in New Delhi this past November.
Vilsack says, “This new opportunity marks the culmination of nearly two decades of work to gain market access for U.S. pork to India – and it signals positive movement in U.S.-India trade relations.” Vilsack says the administration will continue working with the Indian government to ensure that the U.S. pork industry can begin shipping its high-quality products to consumers in India as soon as possible.
Tai says her team will continue working to strengthen the U.S.-India trade relationship.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued a statement after the India trade announcement saying, “USMEF greatly appreciates the efforts of USTR and USDA to secure access to India for U.S. pork. This breakthrough comes after lengthy negotiations, and we thank both agencies for their steadfast work on this issue. USMEF’s international staff conducted market research in India in recent years and the industry contacts developed at that time are excited for the opportunity to import U.S. pork and pork products. While the volumes of imported pork currently entering India are quite small, USMEF sees long-term potential in the retail, processing, and foodservice sectors, as well as emerging opportunities in e-commerce.”
National Pork Producers Council President Jen Sorenson says, “After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is being opened. NPPC thanks the Biden administration for reaching an agreement with India on market access for our products. We look forward to the new access, which will allow us to provide affordable, wholesome and nutritious U.S. pork products to consumers in India.” Sorenson says the potential market opportunity is significant in India, where the population is 1.26 billion people. She says this agreement sets the state for larger trade discussions.
