Press Releases
Arrington Leads Effort to Eliminate India's Tariff on American Cotton
Washington,
March 2, 2026
Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led a group of lawmakers representing districts with significant cotton production in sending a letter to the Trump Administration calling for the elimination of India’s 11 percent tariff on American cotton as part of ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations. The letter thanks U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for his successful efforts to secure new trade agreements that reduce foreign barriers to American agricultural exports and highlights the monumental opportunity presented by the recently announced Interim Agreement framework between the United States and India.
“As you finalize the details of this Interim Agreement and any subsequent agreements with India, we urge you to negotiate a permanent reduction or elimination of India’s trade barriers to American cotton exports,” the letter reads, in part. “This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers. Increasing market access to one of the world’s largest economies would provide a much-needed market-driven boost to our cotton farmers who have suffered several years of historic losses resulting from inflation, low demand, and inclement weather.”
Click HERE to read the full letter.
“The American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) strongly supports Chairman Arrington’s leadership in urging USTR to eliminate India’s 11% tariff on U.S. cotton, which impedes access for U.S. cotton into this critical market,” said Buddy Allen, President & CEO, American Cotton Shippers Association. “ACSA appreciates USTR’s continued efforts to expand market access for our industry and looks forward to working together to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry at this critical time.”
“At a time when producers are facing enormous financial strains, expanded export opportunities are more important than ever,” said Gary Adams, President and CEO, National Cotton Council. “The National Cotton Council welcomes this congressional effort to ensure that continued trade negotiations with India result in real and lasting gains for American cotton.”
Arrington was joined by Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Austin Scott (GA-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Julia Letlow, Ph.D (LA-05), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Vince Fong (CA-20), and August Pfluger (TX-11).
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