India to USA · sector guide
Exporting processed food from India to the USA
The US imported $565M of processed food from India in 2025, 1.8% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Biscuits, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, pickles, sauces, sweets and other packaged foods, sold through Indian grocery chains and mainstream retailers in the US.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $565M
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -24.9%
- India's share
- 1.8%
- Average duty paid
- 20.1%
- Shipped by sea
- 94%
Five-year trend
US imports of processed food from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $301M, down 24.9% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits, Bread & Bakery Products | 1905 | $193M |
| Food Preparations | 2106 | $121M |
| Pickles & Vinegar-Preserved Vegetables | 2001 | $58.2M |
| Prepared Vegetables & Ready-to-Eat Foods | 2005 | $50.6M |
| Breakfast Cereals & Puffed Foods | 1904 | $43.8M |
| Sauces, Condiments & Seasonings | 2103 | $24.2M |
| Jams, Jellies & Fruit Pulp | 2007 | $19M |
| Pasta & Noodles | 1902 | $12.9M |
| Frozen Prepared Vegetables | 2004 | $11.6M |
| Malt Extract & Food Preparations | 1901 | $10.3M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 37.9% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 10.7% |
| Savannah, GA | 10% |
| Houston, TX | 8% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 7.7% |
| New York, NY | 7.4% |
Requirements
US rules for processed food
- FDAThe food facility must be registered with the FDA, and every shipment needs FDA prior notice before it arrives. FDA can sample food at the border and refuse entry.
- FDARetail packs must carry US-format nutrition facts and ingredient labelling, with allergens declared. Low-acid canned foods need FDA process filing.
- CBPAn Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India.
- CBPGoods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
On the Indian side
- Register with APEDA for scheduled processed food products.
- Make sure labels are printed in the US format before production, not after.
Packing and shipping
- Most packaged food ships in dry containers; mixed loads often go LCL or as consolidated FCL for distributors.
Questions
Processed Food and Snacks from India to the USA: FAQs
How much processed food does the US import from India?
$565M in 2025, led by biscuits, bread & bakery products, food preparations, pickles & vinegar-preserved vegetables. Jan–Aug 2026: $301M, down 24.9% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to processed food from India?
FDA: The food facility must be registered with the FDA, and every shipment needs FDA prior notice before it arrives. FDA can sample food at the border and refuse entry. FDA: Retail packs must carry US-format nutrition facts and ingredient labelling, with allergens declared. Low-acid canned foods need FDA process filing. CBP: An Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded in India. CBP: Goods and their retail packaging must show the country of origin in English, for example "Made in India".
What do Indian exporters of processed food need to do?
Register with APEDA for scheduled processed food products. Make sure labels are printed in the US format before production, not after.
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 processed food 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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