Now Reading: US spice industry seeks permanent tariff exemption for Indian spices
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US spice industry seeks permanent tariff exemption for Indian spices
US spice industry seeks permanent tariff exemption for Indian spices
The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) is seeking permanent tariff exemptions for Indian spices as the US and India move towards a final trade agreement, arguing that many spices cannot be grown commercially in the US. ASTA president Donald Pratt said the industry hopes the current exemptions, secured in 2025 under Section 122 and 301 tariffs, become permanently enshrined.
The US is the largest market for Indian spices, importing about $700 million worth in 2025. Pratt said India grows more than half of the 109 spices recognised by the International Organization for Standardization and is an essential supplier of cumin, fennel, chilies and dozens more. ASTA represents about 100 companies that import, process and sell spices in the US.
Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra said spice exports from India to the US continue to grow year-on-year and are expected to expand further. ASTA executives said they are optimistic the two governments will come together to ensure continued supply. The association has worked with the Indian Embassy on tariff advocacy over the past 18 months.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Assam Tribune report frames the story around the industry's detailed argument that US production cannot replace Indian spices, quoting multiple ASTA officials on climate constraints and supply-chain necessity. The Economic Times version leads with consumer price protection and projects optimism for the trade deal, adding the Indian ambassador's growth forecast. Both are neutral-report coverage with no government slant, but the Assam Tribune gives more space to the industry's case for why tariffs would be ineffective, while the Economic Times places the demand inside the broader bilateral trade negotiation context. Neither source challenges the industry's claims or cites any opposing view. The shared bottom line is that both sides see the exemption as mutually beneficial, and the next step is the final trade agreement.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): assamtribune.com (neutral report), economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
