India’s reputation as a powerhouse in global trade is well-earned, especially for US importers seeking diversity, value, and reliability in their supply chains. As the tenth-largest trading partner of the United States, export from India is both broad and deep, encompassing everything from raw materials and finished goods to high-value products like gems, textiles, and advanced machinery.
The journey to import from India is not just about sourcing products—it’s about building partnerships, navigating efficient freight and shipment processes, and tapping into a market that’s constantly evolving to meet international standards.
The Expanding Range of Products from India
The spectrum of import products directly available from India is impressive. Organic chemicals, for instance, have become a cornerstone of US imports, with India exporting over $20 billion worth of these essential raw materials in 2024 alone. These chemicals are vital for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, and Indian suppliers are recognized for their competitive pricing and consistent quality. Similarly, the gems and jewellery sector continues to shine, with the US importing nearly $10 billion in gems, diamonds, and precious stones from India last year. The country’s expertise in cutting, polishing, and crafting gems ensures that US buyers receive both traditional and contemporary designs, tailored to diverse market preferences.
Textiles and garments remain a mainstay among imported goods from India. The country’s textile industry is one of the largest globally, supplying everything from cotton yarn and ready-made garments to technical textiles and eco-friendly fabrics. US importers value the diversity, craftsmanship, and affordability of Indian textiles, which are supported by a robust export infrastructure and efficient shipment management. Machinery and equipment, too, are gaining ground, with India exporting billions in industrial pumps, valves, and custom manufacturing solutions. These products that are exported are not only cost-effective but also meet international quality standards, making them a smart choice for US businesses looking to optimize their operations.
Beyond the Basics: Leather, Agriculture, Electronics, and More
While the primary categories dominate headlines, India’s export products extend far beyond. Leather products—ranging from footwear and bags to belts and accessories—are highly sought after in the US, thanks to India’s skilled craftsmanship and growing emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly production. Agricultural products such as spices, basmati rice, tea, and seafood cater to the diverse culinary landscape of the US, with a rising demand for organic and specialty foods via India’s agriculture product exports. The country’s compliance with US regulatory standards ensures that these goods meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks.
Petroleum products, including refined oil and diesel, form a significant part of India’s export portfolio, reflecting the country’s expanding refining capacity and the US’s need for diversified energy sources. The electronics sector is also on the rise, with India exporting telecommunications equipment, circuit boards, and consumer electronics to the US. This shift is driven by government incentives and a global move to diversify supply chains away from single-country dependencies.
Electronics and Telecommunications Hardware
India has rapidly transformed into a global hub for electronics manufacturing, playing a pivotal role in the country’s record-breaking export performance during FY 2024-25. The sector encompasses smartphones, integrated circuits, and telecommunications equipment, all of which have gained significant traction in international markets. Competitive labor costs combined with robust government incentives have positioned Indian-made electronics as highly price-competitive on the global stage, making this sector an attractive option for importers seeking quality products at favorable margins.IT, Software, and Digital Services
Services remain India’s strongest export pillar, contributing substantially to the nation’s overall export figures. The country excels in software development, SaaS solutions, financial services, and communication technology. India’s massive pool of skilled tech talent has established it as the premier destination for digital transformation initiatives and outsourced IT solutions, offering importers access to world-class expertise at competitive rates.Renewable Energy Components
As the world accelerates its transition toward green energy, India has emerged as a major exporter of renewable energy hardware. Solar modules, photovoltaic cells, and wind turbine components represent the cornerstone of this growing sector. India’s substantial investment in green energy infrastructure has created a surplus of high-quality components that meet stringent international sustainability standards, presenting an excellent opportunity for importers aligned with the global clean energy movement.Defense and Aerospace Technology
The defense sector represents a relatively new but rapidly expanding area of Indian exports, with figures reaching all-time highs during the 2024-2025 period. Personal protective gear, drone technology, aircraft parts, and specialized engineering components lead this category. Indian defense products have gained increasing recognition for their durability and cost-effectiveness when compared to Western alternatives, making them an attractive proposition for international buyers.Marine and Seafood Products
India maintains its position as one of the world’s largest seafood exporters, demonstrating steady growth throughout the 2024-2025 trade cycle. Frozen shrimp, squid, and various fresh and frozen fish varieties dominate this category. The country’s strict adherence to international food safety standards, combined with its extensive coastline, ensures reliable year-round supply of premium seafood products for discerning importers.Ayurveda, Herbal, and Wellness Products
The global embrace of clean beauty and holistic wellness has fuelled unprecedented demand for authentic Indian Ayurvedic products. Herbal supplements, organic essential oils, and Ayurvedic skincare formulations are experiencing remarkable growth in international markets. India’s unique advantage lies in its traditional knowledge systems and abundant access to trending raw materials such as turmeric and ashwagandha, positioning the country as the authentic source for products driving the global health and wellness revolution.Electric Vehicle Components and Batteries
The worldwide push for electric mobility has positioned India as an emerging key player in the EV supply chain. Lithium-ion battery packs, EV motors, and charging station components represent the most promising products within this sector. As India continues to scale its domestic EV market, the export capacity for high-quality, affordable EV components is expanding rapidly, offering forward-thinking importers an opportunity to capitalize on the electric transportation revolution.Navigating the Import Process: From Supplier to Shipment
Importing goods from India is a streamlined process when approached with the right knowledge and partners. The first step is identifying a reliable supplier—whether through sourcing agents, trade fairs, or digital platforms. Due diligence is crucial: request business credentials, product samples, and, if possible, conduct third-party inspections to ensure quality and compliance. Once a supplier is chosen, clear contracts and documentation are essential. This includes a detailed commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificates of origin, all of which are critical for smooth customs clearance and accurate duty assessment.
Freight and shipment management play a pivotal role in the import and export process. Whether opting for ocean or air freight, working with experienced freight forwarders ensures that your goods move efficiently from Indian ports to US destinations. Proper packing, accurate documentation, and clear communication with your supplier and logistics partners help prevent delays and minimize risks. It’s also important to stay informed about prohibited items and regulatory requirements—certain goods, such as wildlife products or restricted chemicals, may require special permits or be subject to import bans.
India-US Trade: A Partnership Built on Growth
The economic relationship between India and the US is stronger than ever, with bilateral trade reaching over $212 billion in 2024 and US imports from India continuing to grow year over year. This growth is fuelled by India’s cost competitiveness, skilled workforce, and government initiatives aimed at boosting manufacturing and export capacity. US companies are increasingly turning to India not just for cost savings, but for the reliability, innovation, and sustainability that Indian exporters bring to the table.
Not only goods and services, organizations with licences can also build trade relationships and work along with free trade agreement to import products from India. Specialized Indian goods including pharmaceutical products, precious metals, leather products and more. The US consumers also have high demand for various goods originated in India, thus you can import a range of items.
As global trade evolves, India’s role as a key exporter and trading partner is set to expand even further. For US importers, the opportunity lies in leveraging India’s diverse range of items—from organic chemicals and gems to textiles, machinery, leather, agricultural products, petroleum, and electronic goods—while building strong supplier relationships and optimizing every step of the shipment process.
