US spice traders seek tariff exemptions for Indian spices under potential trade deal

American spice traders are hoping for tariff exemptions on Indian spices under a potential trade deal to maintain affordable prices for US consumers. The US imports approximately USD 700 million in spices from India annually, with trade volumes projected to grow in the coming years.

“We are optimistic that the government will continue to support the exemption of tariffs on spices. So we hope the two countries will come together and do the best thing they can to ensure the continuation of spice supply to the US,” Donald Pratt, CEO of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), told PTI.

The ASTA collaborated with the Indian Embassy to assemble spice traders at India House to boost trade ties and foster business partnerships. Pratt highlighted India as a critical supplier alongside nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. He noted that US market demand is expanding as consumers increasingly recognize the health benefits of spices.


Also read: India and US trade deal still have a few stubborn cards to play: Fitch unit

“All of a sudden turmeric, you know, has been looked at differently. It was just curry before, but now, well, there's turmeric tea, and people are using it differently. They're actually nutritional supplements for turmeric as well,” Pratt said.

Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra affirmed that spice exports from India to the US continue to experience year-on-year growth.

“We have reasons to believe that they will continue to expand further in the years ahead,” Kwatra said.

The event at India House aimed to highlight and elevate the presence of Indian spices in the American market.

“We are celebrating the flavours of Indian spices at the India House in partnership with the American Spice Trade Association. It's an effort on the part of the Indian Embassy to spread the popularity of Indian spices so that they spread far and wide to American homes,” Kwatra said.

Also read: Chhattisgarh CM Sai secures Rs 43,600 crore FDI commitments from Singapore

Laura Schumov, Executive Director of the ASTA, noted that the association collaborates closely with the Indian Embassy and expressed hope that a bilateral trade agreement would unlock fresh business opportunities between the two nations.