India’s agriculture exports are recording strong growth this year, despite the pressure from the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Better monsoon support, a rebound in production, and expansion into new global markets have helped Indian farm exports stay ahead.
Agriculture Exports See Faster Growth Than Total Exports
Government data shows that India exported $25.9 billion worth of farm goods between April and September 2025, an 8.8% rise from $23.8 billion in the same period last year.
This growth is higher than the 2.9% increase in overall merchandise exports from all sectors.
In 2024–25, farm exports rose by 6.4%, while total merchandise exports grew only 0.1%, showing that agriculture remains a strong performing category.
What Is Driving India’s Farm Export Boom?
1. Strong Performance of Key Products
India’s top-performing agricultural export items this year include:
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Non-basmati rice
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Buffalo meat
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Marine products
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Coffee
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Fresh and processed fruits & vegetables
2. Non-Basmati Rice Rebounds After Restrictions Lift
Exports of non-basmati rice have surged after the government gradually removed restrictions placed in 2022–23 to control domestic inflation. Good rains and high stock levels have helped India move toward beating last year’s $6.5 billion record.
3. Buffalo Meat Exports Hit New Levels
Buffalo meat exports are on track to surpass the previous peak of $4.8 billion, supported by strong international demand.
4. Marine Products Stay Strong Despite US Tariffs
The US has imposed an effective tariff of over 58% on Indian seafood, yet shipments still grew from $3.4 billion to $4 billion in April–September 2025.
Exporters reduced their dependency on the US market and increased sales to China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, the EU, and Canada.
5. Coffee Exports Surge Due to High Global Prices
India’s coffee exports have more than doubled from $738.9 million in 2019–20 to $1.8 billion in 2024–25. The primary reason is the rise in global prices as global coffee stocks hit a 25-year low. Exports may cross $2 billion this year.
6. Fruits & Vegetables Maintain Steady Growth
Exports of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables continue to grow steadily, reflecting stable global demand.
A Decade of Ups and Downs for Indian Farm Exports
India’s farm exports have seen several swings over the past ten years. They dropped from $43.3 billion in 2013–14 to $32.8 billion in 2015–16, then recovered to $53.2 billion in 2022–23.
This movement closely follows international food prices.
The FAO Food Price Index declined sharply between 2014 and 2016, stayed weak until 2019–20, and then rose sharply during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As prices cooled again, India’s farm exports also saw a slight decline.
Government export controls on wheat, rice, sugar, onions, and de-oiled rice bran also affected shipment numbers due to inflation-control measures.
Outlook for the Second Half of 2025–26
India’s export performance will depend largely on two factors:
1. Global Commodity Prices
The FAO global food index averaged 126.4 points in October 2025, well below the peak levels seen in 2022.
Prices for cereals and sugar remain low, which may affect India’s export earnings.
2. Impact of Trump Tariffs
Recent data shows that US tariffs have begun to hurt specific sectors. In September, exports to the US fell for:
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Marine products – down 26.9%
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Spices – down 45.1%
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Basmati rice – down 17.8%
However, there are positive developments. Reports suggest India and the US may finalize a trade agreement soon, with the US showing signs of reducing its aggressive stance.
President Trump also reversed tariffs on spices, tea, coffee, and fresh fruits, which will directly support India’s trade.
India’s Farm Imports Also Rise This Year
Farm imports increased by 5.9% in April–September 2025, outpacing the 4.5% growth in total imports.
Major farm imports include:
1. Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oil imports grew by 13.5% and may reach the record $20.8 billion level seen in 2022–23.
2. Pulses
Imports of pulses dropped sharply due to a record domestic harvest and the return of normal import duties.
3. Fresh Fruits
India imported over $3 billion worth of fresh fruits last year, with the US contributing more than 50% of shipments in April–September 2025—particularly almonds, pistachios, and walnuts.
4. Raw Cotton
India, which once exported cotton, now imports it. Imports may cross $1.5 billion this year due to stagnant yields and lack of new cotton technologies after the Bt era.
Conclusion
India’s agriculture export sector remains resilient and continues to grow despite global price drops, domestic restrictions, and US tariff pressure.
With strong production, diversified trade partners, and improving global demand, India is positioned to remain a leading global supplier of farm products.
