Piyush Goyal: US Apple Quota Below Current Imports, Protects Domestic Growers

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that the US apple quota under the interim trade pact is less than current imports, safeguarding domestic apple growers.
• India imports 5.5 lakh tonnes of apples annually, with a significant portion from the US; total demand exceeds 25-26 lakh tonnes against 20-21 lakh tonnes production.
• Goyal emphasized that India has not opened its market to surplus agricultural products, but apples are not in surplus.
• Import regulations include a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of Rs 50 and a 50% duty, ensuring protection for apple farmers from cheap imports.
• The quota for US apples has an MIP of Rs 80 and a Rs 20 duty, making the landed price Rs 100, ensuring it doesn't compete with local produce.