India’s exports of spices, tea and cashew to gain as Trump rolls back tariff hike
Indian exporters say a new U.S. tariff cut will give a boost to key products like spices, tea, and cashew nuts, as the Trump administration removes duties on almost 200 food items.
The U.S. order, signed on November 13, aims to make American grocery shelves cheaper after voters pushed back against higher food prices. It cuts customs duties on items such as black pepper, cloves, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, several tea varieties, mango products and cashew nuts.
India exported more than $500 million of spices to the United States in 2024. Tea and coffee shipments added almost $83 million, while cashew nuts brought in close to $200 million. The tariff break will benefit about 50 processed‑food categories that totaled roughly $491 million in last year’s trade. Those include coffee and tea extracts, cocoa‑based snacks, fruit juices, pulp products, mango preparations and vegetable waxes.
Spices themselves, worth $359 million, are expected to see the biggest lift. Another 48 fruit and nut types—coconuts, guavas, mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and areca nuts—will also benefit, although they accounted for only about $55 million in exports. Overall, the tariff‑free list covers almost one‑fifth of India’s $5.7 billion in U.S. agricultural shipments.
Trump’s executive order was prompted by growing pressure over rising food costs, especially after his party lost key states in recent elections. The administration says these foods cannot be produced in enough quantity domestically, so removing tariffs is a way to support American consumers. The changes take effect retroactively from midnight on November 13.
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