Letter to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India - Georgia Pecan Industry Expansion into India

Letter

His Excellency Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi 110011

Dear Prime Minister:

The pecan industry is very excited about the potential of exporting pecans to India. India has a dynamic economy and a long history of consuming tree nuts. The reaction of consumers in India to pecan samples distributed and pecans that have been delivered to date has been very positive. A study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that pecans contain more antioxidants than any other tree nut at 5,095 micromoles per ounce. In comparison, one ounce of walnuts only contains 3,846 micromoles and one ounce of almonds only contains 1,265 micromoles. The major hindrance of developing this market in India is the very high tariff placed on imported pecans.

Though India does not produce pecans, it has levied an effective duty of 36.26% on all pecan imports and a requirement to fumigate all large incoming shipments, which adds to costs and delays. While pecan imports are burdened with this high tariff, other U.S. tree nuts enter India at a tariff rate of 10% or below.

I respectfully ask for you to review the tariff rates placed on U.S. pecans. The U.S. pecan industry would like to continue to expand our market in India and share this delicious and healthy tree nut with India's consumers.

With warmest regards, I remain

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