INDIA-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of INDIA exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting INDIA imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | INDIA | | Country Code | IN | | Total US Imports | $91.37 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 10+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 10+ different products from INDIA in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Pharmaceutical products (HS 3004)

Import Value: $67.04 billion (73.4% of total)
HS Code: 3004
Tariff Rate: View HS 3004 IN tariff

Pharmaceutical products is a major export from INDIA, representing 73.4% of bilateral trade.

2. Bed/table linen (HS 6302)

Import Value: $12.83 billion (14.0% of total)
HS Code: 6302
Tariff Rate: View HS 6302 IN tariff

Bed/table linen is a major export from INDIA, representing 14.0% of bilateral trade.

3. Nucleic acids (HS 2934)

Import Value: $3.86 billion (4.2% of total)
HS Code: 2934
Tariff Rate: View HS 2934 IN tariff

Nucleic acids is a major export from INDIA, representing 4.2% of bilateral trade.

4. Heterocyclic compounds (HS 2933)

Import Value: $3.54 billion (3.9% of total)
HS Code: 2933
Tariff Rate: View HS 2933 IN tariff

Heterocyclic compounds is a major export from INDIA, representing 3.9% of bilateral trade.

5. Blood/vaccines (HS 3002)

Import Value: $1.84 billion (2.0% of total)
HS Code: 3002
Tariff Rate: View HS 3002 IN tariff

Blood/vaccines is a major export from INDIA, representing 2.0% of bilateral trade.

6. Pharmaceutical goods (HS 3006)

Import Value: $1.07 billion (1.2% of total)
HS Code: 3006
Tariff Rate: View HS 3006 IN tariff

Pharmaceutical goods is a major export from INDIA, representing 1.2% of bilateral trade.

7. Medicaments (mixtures) (HS 3003)

Import Value: $0.55 billion (0.6% of total)
HS Code: 3003
Tariff Rate: View HS 3003 IN tariff

Medicaments (mixtures) is a major export from INDIA, representing 0.6% of bilateral trade.

8. Curtains/drapes (HS 6303)

Import Value: $0.39 billion (0.4% of total)
HS Code: 6303
Tariff Rate: View HS 6303 IN tariff

Curtains/drapes is a major export from INDIA, representing 0.4% of bilateral trade.

9. Woven cotton fabrics (HS 5208)

Import Value: $0.21 billion (0.2% of total)
HS Code: 5208
Tariff Rate: View HS 5208 IN tariff

Woven cotton fabrics is a major export from INDIA, representing 0.2% of bilateral trade.

10. Therapy appliances (HS 9019)

Import Value: $0.06 billion (0.1% of total)
HS Code: 9019
Tariff Rate: View HS 9019 IN tariff

Therapy appliances is a major export from INDIA, representing 0.1% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Pharmaceutical products | 3004 | $67.04B | 73.4% | | 2 | Bed/table linen | 6302 | $12.83B | 14.0% | | 3 | Nucleic acids | 2934 | $3.86B | 4.2% | | 4 | Heterocyclic compounds | 2933 | $3.54B | 3.9% | | 5 | Blood/vaccines | 3002 | $1.84B | 2.0% | | 6 | Pharmaceutical goods | 3006 | $1.07B | 1.2% | | 7 | Medicaments (mixtures) | 3003 | $0.55B | 0.6% | | 8 | Curtains/drapes | 6303 | $0.39B | 0.4% | | 9 | Woven cotton fabrics | 5208 | $0.21B | 0.2% | | 10 | Therapy appliances | 9019 | $0.06B | 0.1% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: INDIA products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific INDIA products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

INDIA goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major INDIA ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge INDIA tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from INDIA
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "IN-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on INDIA:

Blend INDIA with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

INDIA Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - INDIA-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04