Grains Australia has welcomed India’s suspension of tariffs on Desi chickpeas as a great outcome for both Australia and the Indian pulse market.
An initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Grains Australia is responsible for vital industry services and functions that improve the industry’s competitiveness and profitability.
“This welcome decision by the Indian Government shows the value of continued, respectful government and industry engagement with a highly valued trading partner,” Grains Australia Pulse Council Chair Peter Wilson said.
At the weekend the Indian Government suspended the tariffs that had been equivalent to about 66 per cent, with the decision effective until March 31, 2025.
Tariffs on chickpeas initially equating to 33 per cent were first established by India in 2017/2018, effectively eliminating Australian chickpea exports into India – the world’s biggest consumer of chickpeas.
Mr Wilson said the suspension of the tariffs was likely to deliver more reliable pricing for Australian chickpeas and add depth to already solid markets.
“It will increase competition for Australian chickpeas which are already exported into other important markets including Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan,” he said.
Grains Australia General Manager Trade and Market Access John Ackerman said Grains Australia, in collaboration wth industry and government, looked forward to working with the Indian Government to build on the important development.
“It is a wonderful opportunity and we will be focused on ensuring we are meeting the needs of our chickpea markets, including supplying an affordable, high quality product,” Dr Ackerman said.
Grains Australia, with support from the Australian Government, was represented in New Delhi earlier this year at ‘Pulses 2024’, the annual conference of the Global Pulse Confederation and a major event on the global pulse calendar.
The event provided opportunities to communicate with Indian government and industry representatives, and a brochure Australian Pulses – Partnering with India was produced for the conference outlining details of Australia’s valued pulse trading relationship with India.