The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has opened the Indian market to several premium products, but fresh produce remains a sensitive area. To protect domestic growers, India has excluded key agricultural goods—including fresh fruits and vegetables—from the agreement. While some premium American fresh produce, such as Washington apples, has found its way into Indian markets, broader access remains restricted.
The exclusion of fresh produce is now a point of contention between India and the United States. As a U.S. delegation visits New Delhi to discuss the terms of a proposed bilateral trade agreement, the push for reduced tariffs on American fresh produce has taken center stage. The U.S. is seeking greater market access for a range of items, which could intensify competition for small Indian fruit and vegetable growers.
India maintains that opening its market to large-scale imports of fresh produce could undercut local farmers, many of whom rely on traditional and small-scale production methods. Protecting these producers remains a priority for Indian trade negotiators, even as the country deepens economic ties with other global partners.
Source: CNBC