News Capsule: Impact on Pulses Under the India–US Trade Deal
10-Feb-2026 01:35 PM
News Capsule: Impact on Pulses Under the India–US Trade Deal
★ After DDGS and soybean oil, pulses may emerge as a new flashpoint in the India–US trade agreement. The fact sheet mentions “certain pulses,” though it does not specify which varieties are included.
★ The United States is seeking zero-duty access for lentils and yellow peas in the Indian market.
★ In 2023–24, India imported 1.67 million tonnes of lentils, of which 95% came from Australia and Canada.
★ In 2024–25, lentil imports declined to 1.21 million tonnes.
★ In 2024–25, India imported a record 2.16 million tonnes of yellow peas, with 82% sourced from Canada and Russia.
★ The US share in India’s pulses imports remains relatively small.
★ In 2024, the US produced approximately 1.6 million tonnes of pulses, of which 76% (around 1.22 million tonnes) was exported.
★ If India allows zero-duty imports of US lentils or yellow peas, it could increase pressure on domestic pulse producers.
★ It may also reduce the market share of key suppliers such as Canada, Russia, and Australia.
★ Pulses are now emerging as a sensitive issue in the India–US trade negotiations.