NTF and USAPEEC Applaud New Trade Agreement with the Republic of India in Reducing the Tariff on U.S. Turkey Products

New agreement eliminates retaliatory tariff and reduces basic tariff to 5 percent

Washington, D.C. – (September 8, 2023) – Today, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) praised the Republic of India’s decision to eliminate the retaliatory tariff on U.S. frozen whole turkeys and frozen turkey parts and to reduce the basic tariff on those products from 30 percent to 5 percent.

“The National Turkey Federation applauds the efforts by the U.S. and Indian governments to significantly reduce the tariffs. This move creates an important new market for U.S. turkey producers and will give Indians more affordable access to a nutritious, delicious protein,” said Joel Brandenberger, President and CEO of National Turkey Federation. “NTF congratulates the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the leadership of USDA on this accomplishment, and we thank Senators Mark R. Warner and Thom Tillis for spearheading congressional efforts to ensure U.S. turkey growers are able to effectively compete in this fast-growing marketplace.”

The new agreement reduced significant barriers to access the Indian market due to prohibitively high tariff rates and certain non-tariff barriers and will greatly benefit both nations. Prior to the new agreement, India maintained a 30 percent duty on U.S. turkey products which overpriced the product for Indian consumers and prevented U.S. exporters from participating in the fast-growing market. This new agreement will now allow U.S. turkey growers to compete in the rapidly expanding market while providing Indian consumers with a high-quality and affordable source of protein, which is in high demand.

The agreement also reduces to 5 percent from 30 percent the duty on duck imports from the U.S.

“The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) applauds the decision to lower the tariff on imports of U.S. frozen turkey parts, whole turkeys, and duck by India. This is a significant, positive action,” said Greg Tyler, President and CEO of USAPEEC. “We very much appreciate our government’s ongoing efforts to increase access for U.S. poultry and egg products in India. The lowering of tariffs on turkey meat and, for some, duck exports is a great success. We hope that in the future we are able to gain better access for chicken and to expand access for duck as well, which can help to further address the protein needs of Indian consumers.”

A joint letter initiated by NTF and USAPEEC was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June visit to the U.S with bipartisan support from Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The full text of the letter can be found here.

About the National Turkey Federation

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and producers, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide. NTF is the sole national trade association exclusively representing the turkey industry; its members account for more than 95 percent of all U.S. turkey production.

About USAPEEC

Founded in 1984, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) is a non-profit, industry-sponsored trade organization dedicated to increasing exports of U.S. poultry and egg food products in all foreign markets.

Media Contacts:

Laycee Gibson - Manager of Communications and Member Services
210.710.4009, lgibson@turkeyfed.org

David Markiewicz – Director of Communications at USAPEEC
770.413.0006, davidm@usapeec.org