U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) led a dozen Republican lawmakers on Feb. 25 in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging the Trump Administration to permanently eliminate India’s 11 percent tariff on American cotton as part of ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations.
The letter highlights the recently announced Interim Agreement framework between the United States and India as an opportunity for American cotton farmers, who export 85 percent of their production and have faced barriers entering one of the world’s largest textile markets.
“This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers,” the letter said. “Increasing market access to one of the world’s largest economies would provide a much-needed market-driven boost to our cotton farmers who have suffered several years of historic losses resulting from inflation, low demand, and inclement weather.”
The letter states that India has on occasion temporarily lifted import duties on U.S. cotton to support its textile sector, but argues those instances fall short of the reliable, long-term market access American producers need. India is currently the fourth largest global textile exporter, making it a significant potential destination for U.S. cotton if tariff barriers are removed.
Rep. Arrington, who serves as House Budget Committee chairman, signed the letter, along with other members representing districts with significant cotton production, including U.S. Reps. Gregory Murphy (R-NC), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Vince Fong (R-CA), and August Pfluger (R-TX), among others.