ITC investigates U.S. ag exports to India

ITC investigates U.S. ag exports to India The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated an investigation into the effects of tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. agricultural exports to India.
   The Senate Finance Committee requested the investigation in a Jan. 13 letter.
   'Strong economic growth in developing countries like India presents opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports,' the committee's letter said. 'While U.S. exporters can provide individual examples of trade measures that prevent their sales to India, the extent to which trade and investment measures account for the disproportionately low U.S. share of India's agricultural imports remains largely undocumented.'
   The ITC's investigation, due to the committee by Nov. 12, will include:
   ' An overview of the Indian agricultural market.
   ' A description of the principal measures affecting Indian agricultural imports.
   ' Information on Indian government regulations, including state regulations, covering agricultural markets and foreign direct investment affecting U.S. agricultural products in India.
   ' An evaluation of the impact of India's food marketing and distribution system.
   ' A quantitative analysis of the economic effects of Indian tariffs, and to the extent possible, non-tariff measures on U.S. agricultural exports to India.
   The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection to the investigation at its Washington headquarters on April 21. Written submissions are also welcome, but due to the agency by no later than June 26.
   For more information about the investigation, 'India: Effects of Tariff and Nontariff Measures on U.S. Agricultural Exports,' access the ITC's Web site.