Pecan industry representatives from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., May 14 to meet with legislators and the USDA, advocating for disaster assistance and expanded market opportunities. The meetings sparked follow-up efforts to address trade barriers and open new doors for U.S. pecan exports, especially in the growing Indian market.
Following the meetings, congressional representatives sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging faster action on documentation required to export in-shell pecans to India. In a separate effort, Texas Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz wrote to the U.S. Trade Representative advocating further tariff reductions on U.S. pecans bound for India.
Opening the door for in-shell exports
Shelled pecans are already making their way to India, but pecan buyers there are increasingly requesting in-shell product, preferred for its shelf stability and processing flexibility. However, according to the letter sent to the USDA, “shipments of U.S. in-shell pecans cannot be completed due to the lack of appropriate plant quarantine code (PQ code) for import into India.”
The U.S. government must submit a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) report to obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate and PQ code. Once the documents are submitted, India’s Dried Fruit and Nut Council has committed to advocate for a “swift solution” with its own government.
In 2024, the U.S. pecan industry submitted documents to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to begin this process. The letter urges the USDA to help expedite the required forms, specifically PQ Form 23 and PQ Form 24, to ensure timely completion of the PRA request.
“Efficient completion of India’s import requirements is essential to the success of the pecan industry in Georgia and across the nation,” wrote legislators.
India: A Fast-Growing Market for Pecans
India has emerged as one of the most promising markets for U.S. pecans. In 2022, more than $1.3 million in U.S. pecans were exported to India. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service projects that figure could grow to $5 million annually. A major breakthrough occurred when India agreed to cut its tariff on U.S. pecans by 70%, a move that opened access to over a billion consumers.
Before this, pecans were grouped under a broader “nuts, other” category in India’s customs code and subjected to high import tariffs. “Previously, pecans lacked a unique Harmonized System (HS) code, subjecting them to the higher tariff,” the letter explained. The creation of a dedicated HS code for pecans, paired with the tariff reduction, has significantly boosted opportunities for shelled exports. Now, the industry is pushing for the same level of access for in-shell pecans.
Push for Further Tariff Reductions
While the tariff cut made by India was a significant win, some lawmakers believe there’s room to do more. In a May 21 letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Rep. Monica De La Cruz called for continued tariff negotiations to strengthen U.S. pecan competitiveness abroad.
“While we appreciate the previous reduction from 100% to 30%, this rate still effectively stifles robust growth in what could be a significant export market for our growers,” the letter said.
De La Cruz emphasized that American farmers face stiff global competition and need strong trade policies to maintain their market share. “Lowering this tariff is not just about trade; it is about supporting American jobs, strengthening our agricultural sector, and deepening our ties with a key strategic partner,” the letter said.
The letters are the latest in a growing series of efforts by U.S. pecan growers, handlers, and supporters in Congress to expand international markets and reduce trade barriers. Whether it’s USDA certification requirements or international tariff negotiations, both angles are critical to maintaining and growing demand for U.S.-grown pecans.
The U.S. pecan industry plays a dominant role in the global nut market. The crop was valued at approximately $460 million in 2023, with 271 million pounds harvested across 441,000 acres. The U.S. accounts for 80% of global pecan production, and about 28% of that crop is exported. Georgia leads the U.S. in production.
According to a market research projection cited in the letter, the global pecan market is expected to reach $3.64 billion by 2034, reflecting steady demand growth.
Read Texas Rep. de la Cruz’s letter here.
Read the Georgia Delegation letter here.
Photo: Crystal Nay
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