The US Department of Agriculture launched an agribusiness trade mission in New Delhi to expand business opportunities with Indian importers. India is a growing market for US agriculture, spending over $2.5 billion in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor, recently arrived in New Delhi to inaugurate a USDA-sponsored agribusiness trade mission. Leading a delegation comprising officials from 47 U.S. agribusiness and farm organizations and 11 state departments of agriculture, Taylor's objective is to foster and expand business opportunities with importers in India.

The presence of this delegation underscores the significant potential of India's burgeoning market for American agriculture. Under Secretary Taylor, India's flourishing economy and expanding middle class were highlighted, particularly their preference for American food products. This preference, combined with India's confidence in the quality of U.S. goods, has resulted in an impressive 11 percent increase in U.S. agricultural exports to India over the past two years.

The USDA is actively supporting this upward trend by facilitating the opening of new markets. Recent reductions in tariffs on essential products such as poultry and fruits further reinforce the trade relationship between the U.S. and India.

The primary goal of this trade mission is to build upon these achievements by securing new purchase agreements for American producers. The USDA aims to extend its benefits to a broader spectrum of American farmers, businesses, and communities by promoting agribusiness trade.

This mission strategically connects American agribusinesses with potential buyers from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Participants from the U.S. will benefit from market briefings, engagements with USDA leaders, and networking opportunities throughout the event.

This strategic focus on India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka is justified by their status as growing markets, collectively spending over $2.5 billion on U.S. agricultural products in 2022 alone. India, in particular, presents a robust economy and a burgeoning middle class, resulting in a high demand for various U.S. exports, including meat, dairy, fruits, nuts, cotton, and wood products.

India's large population, the world's largest, is experiencing significant economic growth, translating into increased household disposable income. This economic shift drives the popularity of imported agricultural products as consumer preferences evolve.

This presents a substantial opportunity for U.S. agricultural exporters to tap into the Indian market and meet the escalating demand for imported food and farming items. Recent tariff reductions on American goods and the anticipated further reductions on specific products in 2024 contribute to a positive outlook for U.S. exporters.

In parallel, recent developments in U.S.-India trade relations, including resolving disputes and agreements on tariff reductions, are favorable for American farmers, particularly those in states like Michigan, Oregon, California, and Washington.

Moreover, beyond agribusiness, the broader partnership between the U.S. and India encompasses critical technology initiatives and collaborative efforts in healthcare research. These collaborations signify a shared commitment to innovation, inclusive trade, and addressing global challenges, fostering mutual economic growth and prosperity.