Collins seeks reduced tariffs on American pecans

Amid ongoing trade negotiations, U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) joined a bipartisan group of more than 30 colleagues in urging the Trump administration to prioritize a reduction in India’s tariffs on American pecans.

“As you continue discussions with Prime Minister Modi’s administration to reach a trade deal and potentially reinstate India’s Generalized System of Preference Status, we would like to stress the importance of removing existing barriers to the export of U.S. agricultural products, specifically pecans,” Rep. Collins and the lawmakers wrote in an Oct. 15 letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

American pecan producers have faced many challenges due to rising imports from Mexico, Chinese tariffs, natural disasters like Hurricane Michael, and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to their letter. “Gaining access to new markets for pecans will help ease the pain while orchards are replanted and a trade deal is negotiated with China,” they wrote. 

India’s current tariff rate for U.S. pecans is 36 percent, which is higher than its 10 percent rate for pistachios and almonds, according to the congressmen, who wrote that decreasing these tariffs would allow American pecan farmers to better compete in the international market.

“Lowering the tariff on pecans would provide the Indian people with more economical access to tree nut varieties, while providing a much-needed economic boost to rural America,” Rep. Collins and the members wrote.

Also signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Tom Rice (R-SC), Austin Scott (R-GA), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA).