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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Republican lawmakers from major farming states are urging President Donald Trump to use new U.S.–India trade talks to cut tariffs they say are hurting American cotton producers.
Why It Matters
The push comes just weeks after Trump announced a sweeping interim trade agreement with India that reshaped tariffs and energy ties between the two countries.
Read More on Politics
Republicans backing the president are now pressing for clearer gains for U.S. agriculture as negotiations move forward.
Newsweek contacted the White House and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for comment via email outside regular working hours.
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What To Know
House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas is leading a group of Republican lawmakers calling on the Trump administration to eliminate India’s 11 percent tariff on American cotton as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
The lawmakers sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer arguing that the tariff remains a major barrier for U.S. producers despite broader progress in U.S.–India trade talks.
Their appeal follows Trump’s announcement of an interim trade agreement with India that lowers U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent, down from higher levels imposed last year.
In return, Trump said India agreed to reduce trade barriers on U.S. products, significantly scale back purchases of Russian oil, and commit to buying hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of American goods, including agricultural exports.
While the interim deal outlined tariff cuts and market access across several industries, cotton producers say India’s import duty on raw cotton remains unresolved.
India-U.S. relations have been strained by the past year’s tariff escalation and disputes over Russian oil, making sector-specific gains like cotton a focal point for lawmakers who argue this is a critical issue for their districts, many of which rely heavily on cotton farming and related industries.
Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana and North Carolina are among the states represented by signatories to the letter.
These regions account for a significant share of U.S. cotton production, and farmers there have faced mounting pressure from inflation, weak global demand and extreme weather in recent years.
Expanding access to India’s massive textile market, lawmakers say, could help stabilize farm incomes and support rural economies.
India is one of the world’s largest textile producers and exporters, but its tariff on imported cotton has limited consistent access for U.S. suppliers.
Lawmakers say removing that barrier would benefit both sides, giving American farmers a reliable export market while supporting India’s growing textile sector with high‑quality raw materials.
Full List of Republicans Who Signed the Letter
Jodey Arrington of Texas
Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. of North Carolina
Rick Crawford of Arkansas
Austin Scott of Georgia
Pat Harrigan of North Carolina
Michael McCaul of Texas
Michael Cloud of Texas
Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia
Julia Letlow, Ph.D. of Louisiana
Ronny Jackson of Texas
Vince Fong of California
August Pfluger of Texas
What People Are Saying
The letter reads in part: “As you finalize the details of this Interim Agreement and any subsequent agreements with India, we urge you to negotiate a permanent reduction or elimination of India’s trade barriers to American cotton exports.
“This is a critical moment for American cotton farmers. Increasing market access to one of the world’s largest economies would provide a much-needed and market-driven boost to our cotton farmers who have suffered several years of historic losses resulting from inflation, low demand, and inclement weather.”
Buddy Allen, President and CEO, American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA), said: “ACSA strongly supports Chairman Arrington’s leadership in urging USTR to eliminate India’s 11 percent tariff on U.S. cotton, which impedes access for U.S. cotton into this critical market.
“ACSA appreciates USTR’s continued efforts to expand market access for our industry and looks forward to working together to strengthen the U.S. cotton industry at this critical time.”
Gary Adams, President and CEO, National Cotton Council, said: “At a time when producers are facing enormous financial strains, expanded export opportunities are more important than ever.
“The National Cotton Council welcomes this congressional effort to ensure that continued trade negotiations with India result in real and lasting gains for American cotton.”
What Happens Next
Trade officials are expected to continue negotiating the details of the interim agreement as both countries work toward a broader U.S.–India trade framework.
Any changes to agricultural tariffs would likely become part of those talks as lawmakers and industry groups push for concrete outcomes tied to export access and long‑term market stability.
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