India to USA · sector guide
Exporting tea and coffee from India to the USA
The US imported $181M of tea and coffee from India in 2025, 1.2% of its imports of the main products in this sector. Indian tea (Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri) and coffee, both green and instant, go to US blenders, roasters and retailers.
- US imports from India, 2025
- $181M
- Jan–Aug 2026 vs last year
- -21.7%
- India's share
- 1.2%
- Average duty paid
- 3.6%
- Shipped by sea
- 87%
Five-year trend
US imports of tea and coffee from India
Jan–Aug 2026: $108M, down 21.7% on the same months last year.
Top products
What the US buys most
| Product | HS | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee & Tea Extracts (Instant Coffee) | 2101 | $103M |
| Tea | 0902 | $60.4M |
| Coffee | 0901 | $17.3M |
US ports
Where it enters the US
| US port | Share |
|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | 29.8% |
| Savannah, GA | 12.9% |
| Charleston, SC | 11.4% |
| Norfolk-Newport News, VA | 5.9% |
| New York, NY | 5.9% |
| Oakland, CA | 4.8% |
Requirements
US rules for tea and coffee
- 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.
- 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 the Tea Board or the Coffee Board, as exporters of these products must.
Packing and shipping
- Tea and coffee ship in dry containers; protect them from moisture and from strong odours in shared LCL containers.
Questions
Tea and Coffee from India to the USA: FAQs
How much tea and coffee does the US import from India?
$181M in 2025, led by coffee & tea extracts (instant coffee), tea, coffee. Jan–Aug 2026: $108M, down 21.7% on the same months last year.
What US rules apply to tea and coffee 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. 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 tea and coffee need to do?
Register with the Tea Board or the Coffee Board, as exporters of these products must.
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 tea and coffee 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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