In a momentous turn of events, apple growers from Washington State are rejoicing as they export nearly a million boxes of apples to Bharat this year, marking a staggering 16-fold increase from the previous year’s export figures.
The significant boost in trade relations between the United States and Bharat has been lauded by Senator Maria Cantwell, who emphasized the importance of this achievement during a press conference held in Seattle. Cantwell, accompanied by Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of Bharat’s newly established consulate in Seattle, highlighted the pivotal role of Washington’s apple industry in the global market.
The export surge comes after a tumultuous period sparked by retaliatory tariffs imposed by India in response to the Trump administration’s decision to revoke trade benefits for the country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in 2019. The 20% increase in import tariffs on apples dealt a severe blow to Washington’s apple growers, causing exports to plummet to less than $1 million from a previous high of $120 million.
However, with the lifting of retaliatory tariffs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the US, business has resumed to normalcy, bringing relief to the struggling apple industry in Washington State.
According to the Washington State Apple Commission, approximately 1,190,000 40 lb. boxes of apples have been shipped to Bharat this season alone, resulting in estimated sales of around $19.5 million. This remarkable turnaround contrasts starkly with the meager figures of the previous season, which saw only 73,000 boxes shipped and $1.3 million in sales.
Senator Cantwell expressed unwavering commitment to fostering the Washington-India relationship across various sectors, including aviation, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. She underscored Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to enhance trade with the United States, with Washington State being singled out as a key partner in this endeavor.
The opening of the new Bharatiya consulate in Seattle has been welcomed as a significant milestone, offering promising prospects for increased cooperation and mutual benefit. Cantwell emphasized the potential for American apples to positively impact the Indian market, providing stability and growth opportunities for Washington’s apple producers.
The resurgence of apple exports to Bharat signifies not only a revitalization of trade relations but also a testament to the resilience and determination of Washington’s apple industry. As Senator Cantwell aptly put it, today marks a celebration of renewed opportunities and the promise of a fruitful future for both nations.
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