The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) is seeking continued and permanent tariff exemptions for Indian spices as India and the United States work towards a trade agreement.
ASTA President Donald Pratt said the industry’s priority was to preserve exemptions for agricultural products that cannot be commercially grown in the US but remain widely used by American consumers and businesses.
Speaking to IANS at an event at India House in Washington, Pratt said many spices depend on specific climates and growing conditions unavailable in the US. He said the industry hoped existing exemptions would become a permanent exception to tariffs.
Pratt said India grows more than half of the 109 spices recognised by the International Organisation for Standardisation and remains an essential supplier to the US market.
The US imported around $700 million worth of Indian spices last year, according to figures cited by him.
Donald Pratt said American businesses rely on India for products including cumin, fennel and chillies, adding that domestic production could not meet demand for many spices.
ASTA has worked with the Indian Embassy for 18 months to keep spices outside new tariff barriers, helping secure exemptions under Sections 122 and 301.
Roberto Fanni, ASTA’s science and regulatory committee chair, said exemptions reflect limited US spice production and noted growing India-US cooperation on food safety.
Laura Schumer, ASTA’s executive director, called India its most critical trade partner, citing the scale and value of spice imports.
ASTA represents around 100 US companies involved in the spice trade.
The industry says tariffs on spices not produced domestically would raise costs without protecting US producers.
As India-US trade talks continue, ASTA seeks safeguards to keep Indian spices affordable and accessible.
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