NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. and Indian negotiators are nearing completion of an interim trade framework that could modestly reshape agricultural trade between the two countries, with tariff relief, clearer rules, and reduced non-tariff barriers at the center of discussions. While the final text has not been released, officials on both sides describe the agreement as being in its final technical stages.
For U.S. agriculture, the deal is expected to focus less on sweeping market openings and more on incremental access. Likely beneficiaries include oilseeds and vegetable oils, cotton, specialty crops such as tree nuts, and select feed ingredients, depending on how sanitary and phytosanitary rules are addressed. India has emphasized that politically sensitive sectors — particularly dairy and biotechnology — will remain protected.
India, meanwhile, is seeking smoother access to the U.S. market for rice, processed foods, spices, and seafood, along with more predictable customs procedures. Much of the practical value may come from reducing regulatory friction rather than headline tariff cuts.
If finalized, the agreement would provide exporters on both sides with greater certainty, even if its scope proves limited.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
December 11, 2025 12:25 PM
·
Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
December 11, 2025 11:35 AM
·
December 11, 2025 10:49 AM
A permanent national E15 standard would boost corn demand, lower fuel costs, and provide a stable path for U.S. energy security.
December 11, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Outdated reporting thresholds reduce cash-market visibility and increase the urgency of comprehensive Mandatory Price Reporting reform.
December 10, 2025 07:00 PM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
December 10, 2025 02:25 PM
·
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
December 10, 2025 11:33 AM
·
Sen. Deb Fischer, of Nebraska, mentioned that Congress pushing through year-round E15 sales will do more to help commodity growers than more farm aid, which is currently a reality.
December 09, 2025 03:32 PM
·
Sen. Moran joins us to discuss the farm aid package and the financial reality faced by row crop farmers in his home state of Kansas.
December 09, 2025 02:47 PM
·
