News Capsule: Amrica hopeful to resume Black Pepper Imports on low tarif
29-Oct-2025 08:41 AM
News Capsule: Amrica hopeful to resume Black Pepper Imports on low tarif
★ The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) is hopeful that ongoing trade talks between the US and India will lead to tariff relief, as the Trump administration’s duties have severely hit black pepper exports from India.
★ ASTA said industries across the US — including food, culinary, pharmaceuticals, alcohol and even auto parts — are suffering due to the high tariffs. For the spice and black pepper trade, the situation has become particularly difficult with frequent fluctuations and policy changes.
★ ASTA is seeking a reduction in the current 50% import tariff to around 20%, and exemptions for agricultural commodities — including black pepper — that are not produced in the US. The association expects that a bilateral deal could bring lower tariffs and possibly zero duty on select spices.
★ inventories among US traders are shrinking. The US imports around 70,000–85,000 tonnes of black pepper annually valued at around $500 million, with India’s share at nearly $40 million. India accounts for about 15% of global black pepper production.