Tariff barriers keep India out of Chinese sesame, groundnut markets

China has levied 9% duty on import of sesame seed from India

Despite effort, India hasn't succeeded in making an inroad into Chinese sesame seed and groundnut markets, due to a tariff barrier.

Exporters have asked the ministry of commerce and industry for reviewing the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, formerly the Bangkok Agreement, of which India and China are members. Signed originally in 1975, it is a preferential tariff arrangement that aims at promoting intra-regional trade. Bangladesh, Korea and Sri Lanka are also signatories.

"The issue was raised several times in the past with the Chinese government but there has been no progress," says Sanjiv Sawla, chairman of the Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion