India-US Farm Trade Booms Amid Sticking Point in Negotiations

Strategic Insights -

Trade in farm produce between India and the United States is booming and poised to touch a new record this year, despite being a key sticking point in ongoing trade talks. During January-June 2025, India's imports of agricultural products from the US were $1,693.2 million, a 49.1% increase from the same period last year. India's agricultural exports to the US were up 24.1%, from $2,798.9 million in January-June 2024 to $3,472.7 million in January-June 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • India's imports of agricultural products from the US were $1,693.2 million during January-June 2025, a 49.1% increase from the same period last year.
  • India's agricultural exports to the US were up 24.1%, from $2,798.9 million in January-June 2024 to $3,472.7 million in January-June 2025.
  • The US's exports to India have been led by tree nuts -- mainly almonds and pistachios -- valued at $1.1 billion-plus in 2024.
  • Top US exports to India include ethanol, soyabean oil, and cotton, with ethanol exports worth over $420 million last year.
  • India's agricultural exports to the US are diversified and include seafood (primarily frozen shrimp), spices, essential oils, basmati rice, processed fruits & vegetables, and baked foods.
  • India's trade deficit with the US in agricultural products is likely to narrow due to its growing exports of non-fuel ethanol and oil to the US.

Statistics:

  • India's imports of agricultural products from the US increased by 49.1% from $1,135.8 million to $1,693.2 million during January-June 2025.
  • India's agricultural exports to the US increased by 24.1% from $2,798.9 million in January-June 2024 to $3,472.7 million in January-June 2025.
  • The US's exports to India via tree nuts (mainly almonds and pistachios) valued at $1.1 billion-plus in 2024.
  • Ethanol exports from the US to India were worth over $420 million in 2024.
  • India's annual imports of soyabean oil from the US have posted strong growth, boosted by the reduction in import duty from 27.5% to 16.5%.
  • Cotton exports from the US to India have also been growing due to India's move to become a net importer of the natural fibre.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express (P) Ltd Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com