Are you looking to tap into one of the most lucrative export markets for Indian businesses? The United States continues to be India’s largest trading partner, offering immense opportunities for companies ready to expand their global footprint. If you’re considering importing goods into the United States, it’s essential to first understand America’s top imports. Without this useful information, you’re probably going to face many unwanted challenges.

India-Us Import Export: The Big Picture at a Glance

The India-US trade relationship has reached new heights in recent years, showing remarkable resilience even amid global economic challenges. The partnership between the world’s largest and oldest democracies continues to strengthen, with bilateral trade numbers reflecting this upward trajectory.

Metric	Value (2024)	Growth from 2023
Total India Exports to US	$79.44 Billion	4.5%
US Imports from India	$87.4 Billion	4.5% ($3.7 Billion)
US-India Total Goods Trade	$129.2 Billion	–
US Trade Deficit with India	$45.7 Billion	–
Monthly Export (Dec 2024)	$7.017 Billion	23% increase from Nov 2024

These figures tell a compelling story of growth and opportunity. The 4.5% year-on-year increase represents billions in additional trade volume, while the December 2024 spike of 23% shows the momentum building as we move forward. For exporters, these numbers translate to expanding market potential and increasing demand for Indian products.

Discover More: Documents Required for Import Customs Clearance in USA

Top 10 America Import from India

India’s export portfolio to the US is diverse, spanning traditional strengths like textiles and jewelry to emerging powerhouses like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Rank	Product Category	Export Value (2024)	Share	Key Items Exported
1	Pearls, Precious Stones, Metals, and Coins	$10.17 Billion	12.8%	• Cut & polished diamonds ($5.6B)• Gold jewelry (studded: $2.55B, plain: $267M)• Lab-grown diamonds ($831M)• Silver jewelry ($320M)• Colored gemstones & precious/semi-precious stones
2	Electrical and Electronic Equipment	$9.89 Billion	12.5%	• Mobile phones & telecommunications equipment• Consumer electronics (laptops, PCs)• Electronic components & circuit boards• Electronic medical devices• Industrial electronics & control systems
3	Pharmaceutical Products	$12.73 Billion	16.0%	• Generic medications (45% of US generics)• Drug formulations & biologicals• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)• Vaccines (DPT, BCG, Measles)• Bulk drugs & pharmaceutical intermediates
4	Mineral Fuels, Oils, Distillation Products	$6.5+ Billion	8.2%	• Refined petroleum products• Petrol, diesel, jet fuel• Petrochemicals• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)• Petroleum derivatives
5	Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, Boilers	$5.99 Billion	7.5%	• Industrial machinery• Agricultural equipment• Construction machinery• Precision instruments• Manufacturing equipment
6	Articles of Iron or Steel	$3.4+ Billion	4.3%	• Steel sheets, bars & pipes• Construction materials• Metal components• Industrial metal parts• Automotive components
7	Textiles and Textile Articles	$3.32 Billion	4.2%	• Cotton textiles & yarns• Ready-made garments• Handloom fabrics (Banarasi silk, Khadi)• Home textiles (bedding, curtains)• Technical textiles
8	Vehicles and Auto Parts	$2.8+ Billion	3.5%	• Automotive components• Two-wheelers• Passenger vehicles• Commercial vehicles• Replacement parts
9	Organic Chemicals	$2.5+ Billion	3.1%	• Pharmaceutical intermediates• Agrochemicals• Specialty chemicals• Dyes & pigments• Industrial chemicals
10	Articles of Apparel	$2.3+ Billion	2.9%	• Ready-to-wear garments• Ethnic clothing (sarees, kurtas)• Leather apparel (jackets)• Fashion accessories• Traditional handcrafted clothing

US-India Trade Statistics: Opportunities and Growth

India’s exports to the US haven’t just grown—they’ve accelerated. Understanding these growth patterns helps you identify which sectors offer the most promising prospects for your business. The numbers tell a story of consistent expansion:

Period	India’s Exports to US	Growth Rate
Jan-Jul 2024	$48.2 Billion	9.3% increase
Full Year 2024	$79.44 Billion	4.5% increase
2018-2023	$54.3B to $83.8B	54.4% increase over 5 years
Services Exports (2018-2023)	$28.9B to $36.3B	25.6% increase over 5 years

Best Selling Indian Products in America

Let’s explore the sectors driving India’s export success in the US market. Each of these areas offers unique advantages and opportunities for businesses looking to expand their global footprint.

1- Gems and Jewelry: India’s Sparkling Success

India has established itself as the undisputed global leader in the gems and jewelry industry. The US market alone accounts for nearly $10 billion in annual jewelry exports from India, making it India’s largest customer for these precious items.
Surat in Gujarat stands as the crown jewel of this industry, housing over 450 organized jewelry manufacturers. The sector combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver products that meet exacting international standards. However, exporters should note the upcoming 26% reciprocal tariff announced for 2025, which may require strategic adjustments to maintain competitiveness.

2- Pharmaceuticals: The Pharmacy of the World

India’s pharmaceutical industry has earned the country the title “Pharmacy of the World” for good reason. India supplies approximately 45% of all generic medicines consumed in the United States, with the US market accounting for about 32% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports.
The sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving 9.5% growth even during global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Major exports include:

• Drug formulations and biologicals (75% of pharma exports)
• Vaccines
• Active pharmaceutical ingredients
• Bulk drugs

3- Electronic Equipment: The Fastest-Growing Star

The electronic equipment sector represents one of India’s most exciting export success stories, growing by an impressive 24.3% from 2023 to 2024. The US now imports approximately 35% of India’s electronic exports, valued at around $8.7 billion.
Southern Indian states, particularly Tamil Nadu, have emerged as vital manufacturing hubs for this sector. Products range from telecommunications equipment and mobile phones to consumer electronics and electronic components.

4- Machinery and Engineering Goods: Showcasing Technical Prowess

India exports approximately $5.99 billion worth of machinery, nuclear reactors, and boilers to the United States annually. This category has demonstrated robust growth, increasing by 10.9% from 2023 to 2024—the second-fastest growth rate among all export categories.
Key segments include automotive components, industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and precision instruments.

5- Textiles and Apparel: Weaving Global Success

As the world’s second-largest cotton producer, India supplies more than 23% of global cotton needs. The textile and apparel exports to the US reached approximately $3.32 billion in 2024, with ready-made garments forming a significant portion.
Products range from timeless handloom fabrics like Banarasi silk and Khadi to contemporary designs using blends of traditional and synthetic materials. Popular exports include:
Leather jackets
Ethnic apparel (lehengas, kaftans, kurtas)
Sarees, which see peak demand during US festival seasons.

6- Iron and Steel Articles: Building on Raw Material Strengths

India exports sheets, bars, pipes, and various iron and steel products that leverage its vast iron ore and coal reserves along with skilled labor force.
Manufacturing hubs in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra form the backbone of this industry. The sector has seen steady growth as India continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities, offering quality products at competitive prices.

7- Mineral Fuels and Oils: Strategic Energy Exports

Despite a 15.6% decline from 2023, mineral fuels and oils remain a significant export category to the US. As Asia’s second-largest refiner, India exports crucial petroleum products including petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.
This category encompasses a wide range of refined fuels and petrochemicals that serve as essential energy sources and raw materials for US industries.

8- Organic Chemicals: Supporting Global Industries

India’s chemical exports to the US include pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty chemicals, and industrial chemical products. India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality chemical products stems from strong manufacturing capabilities and adherence to international standards.
The sector benefits from India’s robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure and technical expertise. As global supply chains continue to evolve, India’s position in this sector offers stability and growth potential for exporters.

Data Sources: United Nations COMTRADE, Trading Economics, CEIC Data, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Trade Representative, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India), Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

FAQ

1. What are the top products the US imports from India?
   The top US imports from India include precious stones and metals, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles and apparel, and mineral fuels. In 2024, US goods imports from India totaled $87.4 billion, showing continued growth.
2. Do I need a license to import goods from India to the US?
   For most general merchandise, you don’t need a special import license. However, certain products like pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, and textiles may require permits from specific US agencies. Check with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before importing.
3. How much are import duties for products from India?
   Import duties vary by product type based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. The US has no Free Trade Agreement with India, so standard duties apply. Products valued under $800 (de minimis threshold) are generally duty-free for personal use.
4. What documentation is required for importing from India?
   Essential documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and certificates of origin. For certain products, you may need additional certificates like FDA forms for food/medical items or textile declarations.
5. How do I find reliable suppliers in India?
   Research through trade platforms like Alibaba or IndiaMart, attend US-India trade shows, connect with the US-India Business Council, or work with sourcing agents. Always verify suppliers’ credentials and start with small orders to test quality and reliability.
6. What are the shipping options from India to the US?
   Common options include sea freight (most economical for bulk items, takes 20-40 days), air freight (faster but more expensive), and express courier services like DHL or FedEx for smaller shipments. Choose based on urgency, volume, and budget.
7. Are there any prohibited items I cannot import from India?
   Yes, prohibited items include certain agricultural products, specific textiles without proper certification, some wildlife products, counterfeited goods, and cultural artifacts. Check the CBP website for the complete list of restricted items.
8. How can I calculate the total cost of importing from India?
   Total cost includes product price, shipping fees, insurance, customs duties, broker fees, and possibly warehousing. Use the HTS code to determine duty rates and consider working with a customs broker to get accurate calculations.
9. How long does shipping from India to the US typically take?
   Sea freight typically takes 25-40 days depending on the ports involved. Air freight takes 3-10 days, while express courier services can deliver in 3-5 days. Always add time for customs clearance, which can take 2-10 additional days.
10. Do I need a customs broker to import from India?
    While not legally required for all imports, a customs broker is highly recommended, especially for first-time importers or complex shipments. They help navigate regulations, file proper documentation, and often save you money and time in the long run.
11. What’s the best way to pay Indian suppliers?
    Common payment methods include wire transfers, letters of credit, and PayPal for smaller orders. For new relationships, start with more secure methods like escrow services or letters of credit before moving to more direct payment options.
12. Can I import Indian jewelry for personal use without paying duty?
    You can bring jewelry for personal use, but must declare it at customs. Each person has a duty-free exemption (typically $800), but valuable jewelry exceeding this may incur duties. Having proof of ownership or purchase receipts is recommended.
13. What are the main challenges when importing from India?
    Common challenges include quality control inconsistencies, lengthy shipping times, complex customs regulations, communication barriers, and varying business practices. Establishing clear quality standards and communication channels is crucial.
14. Is there a minimum order value for importing from India?
    There’s no legal minimum, but many suppliers set minimum order quantities (MOQs). Consider that very small orders may not be cost-effective due to fixed costs like shipping and customs clearance.
15. How can I ensure product quality when importing from India?
    Conduct supplier verification, request samples before bulk orders, specify detailed quality requirements in contracts, consider third-party inspection services, and gradually build relationships with reliable suppliers.
16. What’s the trend in US-India trade relations?
    US-India trade relations have been steadily growing, with bilateral trade projected to reach $300 billion by 2026-27. Recently, both countries have been working on addressing trade barriers and expanding cooperation in various sectors.
17. Can I import food products from India?
    Yes, but food products must comply with FDA regulations. They require proper labeling, may need FDA registration, and some items may be subject to inspection. Certain spices, teas, and processed foods are popular imports.
18. How do tariffs impact the cost of Indian imports?
    Tariffs directly increase the landed cost of products. Recent tariff changes and trade policies can significantly impact profitability, so importers should regularly monitor US-India trade agreements and policy updates.
19. What’s the process for handling returns or defective goods from India?
    This should be clearly outlined in your supplier agreement. Options include replacement shipments, credit for future orders, or refunds. Consider that returning goods to India can be costly and complex, so prevention through quality control is best.
20. How can small businesses start importing from India?
    Start with thorough market research, identify niche products with demand in the US, find reputable suppliers for small initial orders, understand all import regulations and costs, and consider working with a freight forwarder and customs broker to navigate logistics.