US lawmakers and apple growers are celebrating the significant increase in apple exports to India this year. Following India's decision to drop the 20% retaliatory tariff on American products, including apples, the export volume has risen to nearly one million boxes of apples from Washington State to India, a figure 16 times greater than last year. Before the tariffs were imposed, Washington growers exported $120 million worth of apples to India. However, the increase in import tariffs by India caused a drastic drop in exports, reaching a low point of less than $1 million.
With the retaliatory tariffs lifted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the US, business has resumed normally. Washington State Apple Commission reports that approximately 1,190,000 40 lb. boxes of apples have been shipped to India this season. The total sales from Washington to India so far are estimated at about $19.5 million, with only half of the shipping season completed. In contrast, the 2022-23 season saw just 73,000 40 lb. boxes shipped, amounting to $1.3 million in sales. This development is viewed as a significant step in enhancing trade relations between the United States and India, particularly in the agriculture sector.