The National Turkey Federation and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) have praised India’s decision to eliminate the retaliatory tariff on US frozen whole turkeys and frozen turkey parts and to reduce the basic tariff on those products from 30% to 5%.

“The National Turkey Federation applauds the efforts by the US and Indian governments to significantly reduce the tariffs," said Joel Brandenberger, president and CEO of National Turkey Federation. "This move creates an important new market for US turkey producers and will give Indians more affordable access to a nutritious, delicious protein."

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%duty on US turkey products which overpriced the product for Indian consumers and prevented US exporters from participating in the fast-growing market. This new agreement will now allow US 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% from 30% the duty on duck imports from the US.

“The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) applauds the decision to lower the tariff on imports of US 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 US 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."