India secures a major trade advantage with the United States, as several high-value Indian exports will now enjoy zero-duty access under the new India-US trade deal, according to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Calling it a big win for exporters, Goyal said the agreement removes tariffs on key products, boosting India’s export potential to the US.
Zero duty items: Which products benefit
Under the new deal, several sectors will now export goods to the US without any tariffs, including:
- Gems and Diamonds
- Pharmaceutical products
- Smartphones and electronics
These items are expected to become more affordable for US buyers and will significantly benefit India’s gems and jewellery, pharma, and electronics industries, sectors that generate billions in exports and provide thousands of jobs.
Agriculture, Dairy, and Spices remain protected
While India opens high-value exports, the government ensures that farmers and domestic food sectors remain fully protected. Staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, soya, oilseeds, poultry, meat, ethanol, and tobacco continue to carry high duties.
The dairy industry is fully secured, covering products like milk, butter, cheese, ghee, yoghurt, buttermilk, paneer, and whey.
Vegetables, fruits, and processed foods such as potatoes, peas, beans, mushrooms, mangoes, bananas, citrus fruits, berries, and spices, including black pepper, chillies, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and India’s famous tea, also remain protected.
Goyal said, “There are numerous items on which zero duty will be levied when exported to the US, including gems, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones. In agriculture, too, some items will see zero reciprocal tariffs.”
Big boost for Indian exporters
The zero-duty provision is expected to increase the competitiveness of Indian goods in the US market, help exporters earn more foreign exchange, and support jobs in critical sectors like gems, pharma, and electronics.
This deal comes as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations with major global economies while safeguarding domestic industries and farmers.
