India to USA · sector guide
Exporting apparel from India to the USA
The US imported $4.98B of apparel from India in 2025, 6.5% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Cotton knitwear, shirts, dresses, kidswear and fashion, mainly from Tiruppur, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Mumbai.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $4.98B
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -26.3%
- India's share
- 6.5%
- Average duty paid
- 30.9%
- Shipped by sea
- 80%
Five-year trend
US imports of apparel from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $2.76B, down 26.3% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Suits, Dresses & Trousers | 6204 | $1.02B |
| T-Shirts & Vests | 6109 | $447M |
| Sweaters, Pullovers & Cardigans | 6110 | $442M |
| Women's Blouses & Shirts | 6206 | $414M |
| Babies’ Garments (Knitted) | 6111 | $359M |
| Men's Shirts | 6205 | $316M |
| Tracksuits, Swimwear & Other Garments | 6211 | $228M |
| Men's Underwear & Nightwear | 6107 | $228M |
| Men's Suits, Trousers & Shorts | 6203 | $227M |
| Men's Shirts (Knitted) | 6105 | $220M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 30.2% |
| Savannah, GA | 18.6% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 9.9% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 6.9% |
| JFK International Airport, NY | 6.7% |
| New York, NY | 6.6% |
Requirements
US rules for apparel
- FTCGarments need permanent labels with fibre content, country of origin and the manufacturer or RN number, plus care instructions.
- CPSCChildren's clothing must meet CPSIA rules (lead, tracking labels, a Children's Product Certificate), and children's sleepwear has its own flammability rules.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
On the Indian side
- Register with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
Packing and shipping
- Garments ship folded in cartons or on hangers (garment-on-hanger containers) for retail-ready delivery.
- Large retailers often book their own freight (FOB); smaller buyers often want CIF or DDP quotes.
Questions
Apparel from India to the USA: FAQs
How much apparel does the US import from India?
$4.98B in 2025, led by women's suits, dresses & trousers, t-shirts & vests, sweaters, pullovers & cardigans. Jan–Aug 2026: $2.76B, down 26.3% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to apparel from India?
FTC: Garments need permanent labels with fibre content, country of origin and the manufacturer or RN number, plus care instructions. CPSC: Children's clothing must meet CPSIA rules (lead, tracking labels, a Children's Product Certificate), and children's sleepwear has its own flammability rules. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
What do Indian exporters of apparel need to do?
Register with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau international trade data (general imports, and duty calculated on imports for consumption), 2021–2025 and Jan–Aug 2026. Requirements summarised for guidance; check the agency rules for your exact product.
Exporting apparel to the USA?
Atmavaan books the container, handles the export paperwork and can file the ISF and clear US customs for your buyer.
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