U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced Monday that the government of India has agreed to allow imports of U.S. pork and pork products into India, removing a longstanding barrier to U.S. agricultural trade. This news follows the successful revitalization of the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum held in New Delhi in November 2021.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauded the U.S. and Indian government’s announcement to allow imports of U.S. pork and pork products into India, the world’s second-most populous nation.
“After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is being opened,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “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.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said “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.”