The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has called on the Indian government to implement a 100% duty on imported U.S. apples and to reject reciprocal tariff negotiations with the U.S. The Union warns that the planned tariff reduction by the U.S., effective April 2, 2025, could harm domestic growers in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
This appeal follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a reciprocal tariff policy that would lower import duties on Washington apples, potentially leading to an influx of cheaper imports into Indian markets. The Union argues that this could severely impact local livelihoods.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Agriculture Minister, and the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Union highlighted that apple cultivation supports over 700,000 families across three states. They emphasized that foreign apple imports, along with challenges like climate disasters and economic instability, could diminish market space for local produce and result in revenue losses for state treasuries.
Jammu & Kashmir's horticulture sector, a contributor to India's position as a leading apple producer, has already faced setbacks from political unrest, the 2014 floods, and hailstorms. The Union cautioned that tariff reductions could worsen these issues, causing distress for small-scale farmers and dealers.
Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer stressed that reciprocal tariffs would adversely affect local growers. He urged New Delhi to focus on protective measures rather than trade concessions. The Union's appeal highlights broader global agricultural trade tensions and the vulnerability of India's agrarian communities to international policy changes.
Source: Ziraat Times