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Arrington Celebrates America First Trade Wins for West Texas Agriculture 

Washington, February 19, 2026
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Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated new trade deals negotiated by the Trump administration that will address long-standing barriers to U.S. sorghum and cotton exports, including the reduction of India’s 50 percent sorghum tariff and expanded cotton commitments from Bangladesh — key West Texas agriculture priorities Arrington has advanced in partnership with the administration over the past year. 

“President Trump continues to have the backs of American farmers, and his latest trade agreements are delivering real results for American agriculture.

“The President’s announcement that India will slash its 50 percent tariff on U.S. sorghum is a major win for West Texas farmers and a critical step toward diversifying our export markets away from Communist China. Expanding market access and reducing barriers like these strengthens America’s farmers and reinforces our economic security.

“Just as important, Bangladesh - one of the world’s largest textile producers - has committed to purchasing more American cotton and expanding the long-term use of U.S. cotton in its fabric production. That means stronger demand and better prices for West Texas cotton farmers, ginners, warehouses, and shippers.

“Over the past year, I’ve been proud to work alongside President Trump and Ambassador Greer to push back against unfair trade practices across South Asia - including India’s punitive sorghum tariff and cotton barriers throughout the region. For too long, unfair trade barriers have put American producers at a disadvantage. Thanks to President Trump’s America First trade agenda, those days are coming to an end.” – Chairman Arrington.

Background:
  •  India has historically maintained some of the highest tariffs in the world on American agriculture, including a 50 percent tariff on American sorghum exports. In addition, Bangladesh is one of the largest textile producers in the world, making it a critical market for West Texas cotton exports.
  • Chairman Arrington has worked with the Trump administration to highlight India’s significant trade barrier for West Texas sorghum producers by including this issue in his March 2025 “West Texas Trade Priorities” report to the U.S. Trade Representative.
  • In addition, Chairman Arrington has championed expanding West Texas cotton exports, as highlighted by his letter to President Trump on the importance of reducing global trade barriers, and through his conversations with Ambassador Jamieson Greer. 
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