Pulses are also included in the trade deal, along with soybean oil and DDGS

10-Feb-2026 06:05 PM

New Delhi. New layers of the framework of the bilateral trade agreement (trade deal) between India and the United States are emerging. After DDGS and soybean oil, pulses are now being reported as being included in this trade deal. It is noteworthy that the joint statement issued for the interim framework did not mention pulses among the items included, but the fact sheet announced last night includes pulses.

While this fact sheet does not specify which pulses from the United States will receive special customs duty exemptions, it is believed that these pulses could be lentils and yellow peas, which are likely to be allowed duty-free imports.

It is noteworthy that the United States primarily produces dry green lentils on a large scale, which command a much higher price than red lentils. India mostly imports red lentils. However, significant imports of green lentils from the United States may now begin.

India imports 8 to 12 percent of the US's total annual pulse exports. A 30 percent customs duty on yellow peas applies to all countries in India. If the US is exempted from this, its exports to India will naturally increase.

According to available data, pulses worth $740-760 million were exported from the US to India during 2024, making India the fourth-largest market for US pulses after Mexico, Canada, and the European Union. A few weeks ago, two US lawmakers visited India and lobbied vigorously for the inclusion of pulses in the trade deal.

They also sent a letter to the US President urging him to include pulses in the trade agreement. It appears that the US exerted last-minute pressure on India for this.

Pulses in the US are primarily produced in states like North Dakota, Montana, Washington, and Idaho. Now, its producers will find a large and stable market in India.