Now Reading: US top fruit and veggie exporter to India as China share halves
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US top fruit and veggie exporter to India as China share halves
US top fruit and veggie exporter to India as China share halves
India's import of fruits and vegetables has surged 114% in value to $3.82 billion in 2025-26 from $1.78 billion in 2016-17, with volumes rising 84% to 20.66 lakh tonnes, according to DGCI&S data. The US has become the top exporter, doubling its exports to $1.45 billion over the decade, while Pakistan's exports to India fell to zero after a ban following the 2019 Pahalgam attack.
China's exports to India dropped 53% in value to $82.63 million and 51.5% in volume to 1.03 lakh tonnes over the same period. Despite the decline, China still exports over one lakh tonnes. Other major exporters include Afghanistan, UAE, Iran, Chile, and Indonesia. India remains a net exporter, with exports rising from $2.45 billion to $3.93 billion in 2025-26.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada told the Lok Sabha that India's horticulture trade shows robust growth and a positive trade balance, reflecting strong domestic production and global integration.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The import data shows a strategic shift in India's fresh produce sourcing. The collapse of Pakistan's exports is tied to diplomatic tensions and the 2019 revocation of Article 370, not just market forces. China's declining share may reflect both higher Indian tariffs and Beijing's own economic slowdown. For US exporters, India is a rare bright spot amid global trade friction. The next key signal will be whether India negotiates new phytosanitary agreements to diversify sources, especially for apples and almonds, where US and Afghanistan dominate.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
