India to USA · sector guide
Exporting rice from India to the USA
The US imported $369M of rice from India in 2025, 24.6% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Basmati is the bulk of India's rice exports to the US, sold mainly through South Asian grocery distributors. India is the second-largest supplier of rice to the US after Thailand.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $369M
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -18%
- India's share
- 24.6%
- Average duty paid
- 19.9%
- Shipped by sea
- 100%
Five-year trend
US imports of rice from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $211M, down 18% on the same months last year.
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 46.4% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 14.6% |
| Savannah, GA | 13% |
| Houston, TX | 13% |
| Oakland, CA | 4.5% |
| New York, NY | 3.2% |
Requirements
US rules for rice
- 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.
- FDAFDA tests imported rice for pesticide residues and contaminants; shipments that fail can be refused and the supplier placed on an import alert.
- 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; basmati exporters need APEDA registration and contract registration.
- Get residue testing done before shipment if your buyer asks for it.
Packing and shipping
- Rice ships in 20-foot dry containers, bagged, with liners or kraft paper to protect against condensation.
- Fumigation is usually done before stuffing.
Questions
Rice from India to the USA: FAQs
How much rice does the US import from India?
$369M in 2025, led by basmati & other rice. Jan–Aug 2026: $211M, down 18% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to rice 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: FDA tests imported rice for pesticide residues and contaminants; shipments that fail can be refused and the supplier placed on an import alert. 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 rice need to do?
Register with APEDA; basmati exporters need APEDA registration and contract registration. Get residue testing done before shipment if your buyer asks for it.
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 rice 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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