India-US agriculture trade set to touch a new high

EVEN AS AGRICULTURE has emerged as a key sticking point in the trade talks between India and the United States, here's an interesting fact: Trade in farm produce between the two countries is actually booming and poised to touch a new record this year.

- HARISH DAMODARAN

During January-June 2025, India's imports of agricultural products from the US were, at $1,693.2 million, a whopping 49.1% more than the $1,135.8 million for the same six months of the last calendar year. India's agricultural exports to the US, too, were up 24.1%, from $2,798.9 million in January-June 2024 to $3,472.7 million in January-June 2025.

While the impact of the new US tariff on Indian goods from August 7 remains to be seen, the trends so far suggest two-way farm trade surpassing previous highs.

If the current growth rates hold, India's agricultural exports to the US could top $7.7 billion, and that of the US to India could be over $3.5 billion in 2025.