India will allow the import of apples from the United States at a minimum price of 80 per kilogram under the proposed interim India-US trade pact, while ensuring that domestic apple growers remain fully protected. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement has been carefully designed to balance trade commitments without compromising the interests of Indian farmers.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Goyal clarified that the government has introduced a minimum import price of ₹80 per kg along with an import duty of 25 per cent on US apples. This effectively means that apples priced below ₹100 per kg cannot enter the Indian market from the US, offering a strong protective barrier for local producers.
At present, imported apples attract a higher duty of 50 per cent with a minimum import price of ₹50 per kg, which prevents imports priced below ₹75 per kg. The revised structure under the trade pact slightly adjusts these norms while maintaining adequate safeguards for domestic growers.
“Our apple farmers are fully protected, and there is no reason to worry,” Goyal said, emphasizing that the government remains committed to the welfare of India’s agricultural community.
India imports nearly six lakh tonnes of apples every year, including shipments from the United States, to meet domestic consumption needs. The government maintains that the new arrangement will not disrupt the local market or hurt farmer incomes.
The commerce minister also highlighted that several Indian products will receive zero reciprocal tariffs in the United States under the interim trade pact. These include select agricultural goods, fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee, which are expected to gain better access to the US market and strengthen India’s export position.
Goyal made it clear that India has not offered any duty concessions on sensitive sectors such as dairy products, sugar, or millets, keeping farmer interests firmly protected. He added that the agreement will not adversely affect farmers, MSMEs, handicrafts, or handloom sectors in any manner.
Under the pact, India has extended limited duty concessions to the US in areas such as alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, and medical devices. In return, Indian exporters are expected to benefit from zero reciprocal tariffs on certain automobile components and aircraft parts in the American market.
The interim India-US trade pact, expected to be signed by mid-March, reflects India’s broader strategy of expanding global trade opportunities while ensuring that domestic industries and farmers remain secure.