India has once again postponed implementing a retaliatory tariff on imported U.S. apples, this time until Jan. 31.

Earlier in 2018, India, one of the largest export markets for U.S. apples, imposed an additional tariff on the fruit in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, but has repeatedly delayed implementing them.

For many years, India has imposed a 50 percent tariff on U.S. apples. This new tariff adds an additional 25 percent.

Generally speaking, the fruit industry wants to avoid tariffs, but India’s delays still dampen exports because of lengthy shipping times, the Northwest Horticultural Council based in Yakima, Washington, has said.

–by Ross Courtney