Following India’s sustained significant imports of Russian oil, the US levied retaliatory “reciprocal” import taxes of up to 50% on a variety of Indian goods in August 2025. Textiles, jewelry, leather goods, and fisheries were among the industries severely impacted. But by November 2025, the US government had lifted the punitive tariffs on over 200 food, farm, and agricultural products, giving Indian exporters hope.
Indian exports of tea and coffee are among the excluded goods.
• Spices including cardamom, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
• Tree nuts, including cashew nuts.
• Tropical and certain specialty fruits, as well as fruit preparations, pulp, and juices, albeit India’s share is minimal.
The Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) estimates that these exemptions might boost $2.5–3 billion worth of Indian exports. The action is also seen favorably in the current trade negotiations between the United States and India.
However, there are some significant disclaimers. Because they are not exempt, Indian shipments of shrimp, basmati rice, clothing, jewelry, and diamonds are still subject to the full tariff increases. Additionally, economists point out that India’s tiny presence in many of the recently protected categories (such as fresh fruit, citrus, and bananas) limits the immediate impact.
Exporters caution that relief might only be partial, though. Punitive duties still apply to a significant portion of India’s high-volume exports, and recovery will also depend on logistical costs, compliance requirements, and competition from countries like Vietnam.
When the US announced the removal of tariffs on a few commodities, it cited growing domestic cost-of-living constraints and the need to keep some consumer-facing agricultural and food imports more affordable. Following a steep drop in exports in September, the tariff relief presents an opportunity for Indian exporters to regain some of the market share they lost in the US.
These exemptions could serve as a springboard for a more comprehensive accord when US-India trade negotiations get underway. There is a chance for Indian exporters of tea, coffee, spices, and nuts, but they will still have to deal with scale limitations and international competition. The exclusions provide a limited window of relief for specific agricultural products, but they do not reverse the earlier tariff shock.
