2007 India Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Statement

Exclusion Of U.S. Wheat From Indian Market Increases Costs For Indian Consumers

June 7, 2007

New Delhi – The U.S. Embassy issued the following statement today:

“The United States and India did not reach agreement on market access for U.S. wheat during the recent bilateral plant health discussions held in the United States.  Substantial hurdles still remain, as the United States cannot agree to import standards that are impossible to certify and are not in line with international norms.

U.S. wheat is among the highest quality in the world and is safely shipped to over 110 nations, including every importer of significance except India.  This year, the United States is again expected to be by far the world’s largest wheat exporter.  By excluding the United States from its market, India decreases competition, which significantly raises the cost of imported wheat and translates into higher flour prices for Indian consumers.”