Cramer, Daines Urge Trade Fix for Pulse Crops

Two U.S. senators are urging President Donald Trump to secure favorable trade provisions for American pulse crops in ongoing negotiations with India. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer and Montana Senator Steve Daines highlighted that their states lead U.S. production of pulse crops like peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. At the same time, India is the world’s largest consumer, accounting for roughly 27 percent of global demand. The letter comes as the U.S. and India work to finalize a bilateral trade agreement. U.S. trade officials note that India applies an average 39 percent tariff on agricultural products, compared with just five percent for U.S. goods, and that technical and regulatory barriers have limited U.S. exports.