WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States is shifting its agricultural trade strategy toward major global markets such as India and China, a top Agriculture Department official told lawmakers this week. The move aims to expand export opportunities for American farmers while addressing the nation’s growing agricultural trade deficit.
Speaking before a House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees agriculture funding on March 4, Luke Lindberg outlined the administration’s plan to strengthen U.S. farm exports and improve global market access. Lindberg said the government is following an “America First” trade strategy designed to rebuild U.S. agricultural competitiveness and restore fairness in global trade.
“Our mission is clear: restore fairness and reciprocity in global markets and return America’s agricultural trade balance to a surplus,” Lindberg told lawmakers.
The Agriculture Department sees strong growth potential in large consumer markets such as India and China. Both countries have huge populations and a rising demand for imported food products. U.S. officials believe stronger trade ties with these countries could help increase exports of American farm goods. Tree nuts and specialty crops could benefit the most from expanded access.
Lawmakers asked Lindberg about ongoing trade discussions with India. U.S. producers have long complained about high tariffs on certain agricultural goods. For example, India has imposed tariffs as high as 100 percent on some imported pecans. These duties make it harder for U.S. farmers to compete in the Indian market. Lindberg said negotiators continue to work on a new trade agreement with India. The Office of the United States Trade Representative is currently finalizing the details.
“I do anticipate that pecans will be a part of that overall agreement as the broader tree nut industry is included,” Lindberg told the committee.
If finalized, the deal could lower tariffs and open new opportunities for American growers.
Lindberg explained that the U.S. agricultural trade strategy relies on three key goals. First, the government wants to secure stronger trade agreements with key partners. Officials hope better deals will remove barriers and expand export markets. Second, the strategy focuses on building stronger relationships between buyers and sellers. U.S. officials want international customers to trust American farmers and agricultural companies.
Third, the administration plans to hold trading partners accountable when they violate trade rules or maintain unfair barriers. Officials believe these steps will help rebuild U.S. leadership in global agricultural trade.
Members of Congress also raised concerns about the country’s widening agricultural trade deficit. The United States has traditionally exported more farm products than it imports. That trend has started to shift in recent years. Lawmakers want to understand how the government plans to reduce imports while strengthening domestic production. Lindberg acknowledged that some sectors depend heavily on imports. Seafood remains one of the most significant examples.
“We import about 75 percent of our seafood,” Lindberg said during the hearing.
He added that American producers could potentially supply a larger share of the domestic seafood market. Expanding local production could help reduce import reliance while supporting U.S. fishing and aquaculture industries.
The Agriculture Department wants to grow both domestic consumption and international demand for U.S. farm products. Lindberg said the administration believes a balanced strategy can strengthen the agricultural economy. Farmers could benefit if Americans eat more locally produced food, while exports also increase.
“We want to produce more here in the United States, consume more of what we produce here in the United States, and export more as well,” he said.
Industry groups have welcomed efforts to expand global market access. Many producers rely on exports for a large portion of their sales. Improved trade agreements with countries such as India could bring new revenue to American farmers and rural communities.
Trade experts say the global food market continues to grow. Rising incomes and expanding populations in Asia and other regions are driving demand for high-quality agricultural products. The United States remains one of the world’s largest agricultural exporters. However, global competition has intensified as other countries increase production. Officials believe stronger trade relationships and improved market access will help American farmers compete more effectively.
