WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) joined Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and 31 of their colleagues in sending a letter with bipartisan support to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer encouraging the Administration to prioritize reducing India’s tariffs on American pecans as trade negotiations continue.
“As you may know, American pecan producers have faced many challenges due to rising imports from Mexico, Chinese tariffs, natural disasters like Hurricane Michael, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” they wrote. “Gaining access to new markets for pecans will help ease the pain while orchards are replanted and a trade deal is negotiated with China.”
India’s current tariff rate for U.S. pecans is 36%, much higher than its 10% rate for pistachios and almonds. Lowering these high tariffs will allow American pecan farmers to compete in this important market.
“Lowering the tariff on pecans would provide the Indian people with more economical access to tree nut varieties, while providing a much-needed economic boost to rural America,” they continued.
Read the full letter here.