10 Steps to Source Products from India and Import into the US
India’s export market is a dynamic blend of modern innovation and traditional elements making it a strong pillar of economic progress. This is categorically driven by a vast manufacturing prowess with a diverse portfolio spanning spices, textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewelry, and agricultural products fueled by a robust manufacturing ecosystem and a skilled workforce.
These factors have helped the nation deepen trade relationships with the United States who are proactively sourcing products from India, further bolstered by government initiatives and strong infrastructure upgrades. India is uniquely positioned to serve both as a manufacturing hub and innovation powerhouse thus redefining itself from a cost effective epicenter to an export hotspot to the rest of the world.
Read in detail to learn more.
Indian Products and Market Growth
India’s export market has seen a rise, reaching $778.21 billion in 2023-24. This growth marks a 67% increase from USD 466.22 billion in 2013-14 and reflects the expanding role of sourcing products from India in global trade, driven by strong performances in both merchandise and services exports. There are several initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and Production-Linked Incentive schemes that are also contributing in India to USA product sourcing.
India to USA product sourcing includes key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron ore, and textiles. Ethical sourcing from India by strategic policy measures, broader market access, and enhanced competitiveness is now stronger and fully embedded into the global economy.
Products Import to USA
Here is the list of products that are imported from India to USA:
- Ayurvedic & Herbal Products – Skincare, oils and supplements.
- Jewelry & Accessories – Gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry; beaded and costume jewelry.
- Leather Goods – Bags, belts, wallets and footwear.
- Stationery & Paper Products – Notebooks, art supplies and eco-friendly paper products.
- Green Technology Components – solar panels, wind turbines and EV batteries.
- Defense Equipment & Aerospace – GE engines and Boeing components.
- Spices & Food Products – Turmeric, cardamom, cumin, chili, etc. Tea, ready-to-eat foods and snacks.
- Textiles & Apparel – Cotton garments, silk, wool, and handwoven fabrics, scarves, shawls and saris.
- Handicrafts & Home Décor – Wooden furniture and carvings, brass and metalwork items, and pottery and ceramics.
US Market and Import Relations with India
The U.S. is India’s single largest export destination. India to USA product sourcing has reached around 18% of India’s total exports. The U.S. market can be called a destination for Indian export business.
The U.S. offers a high-income consumer base, opportunities in goods and services, and a predictable legal and regulatory environment for Indian exporters.
The U.S. and India have complementary economies, as the U.S. economy is tech-heavy, capital-rich, and consumer-driven, while the Indian economy is dependent on export-oriented services and low- to mid-end. This structural asymmetry leads to the natural trade alignment.
There’s no formal Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the U.S. and India, but they engage under several bilateral and multilateral mechanisms like the Trade Policy Forum (TPF), which focus on intellectual property rights, tariffs, agriculture, and regulatory barriers.
India was also granted Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status by the U.S. in 2018, which allows faster export of high-tech U.S. goods. U.S. companies importing from India deal with Customs & Border Protection (CBP), and regulations like product quality control in India must comply with U.S. standards.
How to Source Products from the Indian Market to the US.
Indian sourcing agents offer a wide range of unique products imported into the US to sell profitably online or in retail stores. The import from India to the USA provides the suppliers the ability to trade their products worldwide. Now we will discuss the steps of how sourcing products from India can be done.
- Identify the Product & Research the Market: This implies that firstly you have to decide on the product that a person wants to import, like handicrafts, textiles, spices, and pharmaceuticals. After that, research the legal policies of the US, country demands, and its competitors, and compare the prices.
- Find Reliable Indian Suppliers or Manufacturers : Then it is a task to find out the reliable suppliers for the product across India. Some procurement companies also provide this service to find the suppliers and also help further in the process. One such company is Inductus Global. Inductus Global is a dependable procurement company. for retailers and brands. This company from India upholds sustainability along with international eco-friendly standards, ensuring their products are ethically sourced .
- Requesting Quotes from Suppliers: The next step would be to initiate communication with the manufacturers in India by forwarding product specifications and requesting detailed quotes. If you want to outsource the entire sourcing process of importing from India to save your time and money, we, Inductus Global, are here to help.
- Negotiate Pricing, MOQ, and Terms: The key factor for any trade is in obtaining transparent pricing information, laying the foundation for subsequent negotiations. So discussing the minimum order quantity, the pricing, payment structures, terms and conditions, packaging, labeling of the company, and customization if needed is also critical.
- Request Samples & Perform Quality Checks: The U.S. consumers are considered to be stringent with product quality. They have high expectations influenced by established brands and strict regulations, so always order product samples before ordering a large batch. Also, use third-party quality inspection services in India like SGS, QIMA, or TUV, or consider hiring a sourcing agent or quality control inspector.
- Confirm Product Compliance for the U.S.: There are products like supplements, capsules or injections that require the approval form the FDA, CPSC, USDA, or FCC. Or suppliers can also provide the test reports, safety certificates, and country of origin (COO) label. All these compliance checks will skip the chance of seizure of the product at U.S. customs.
- Finalize the Contract and Order: Create a purchase agreement or pro forma invoice (PI), which should include product specs, Incoterms, payment schedule, and warranty/return conditions. Also, initially make only a partial payment of 30–50%.
- Arrange for Shipping and Logistics: The shipping methods available are air freight and sea freight. Now, either coordinate with an Indian freight forwarder/U.S. customs broker or choose any trusted company for hassle-free shipment of the products like Inductus Global.
- Receive, Inspect, and Store Your Goods: After receiving the shipment, just inspect it for any damage, quantity mismatch, or quality issues, and then store it further.
- Distribute, Sell, or Launch Your Product in the U.S. Market and Reorder: For distribution choose your sales channels and just start selling. Once your product starts selling, plan to place a repeat order.
Conclusion
These are the 10 steps that should be needed to take in order to import from India to the US or other. If you want to outsource products from India we Inductus Global are here to help to save your time and money. Inductus Global is a global trade & commerce (export company of goods & commodities) organization. It has become a trusted partner in sustainable sourcing and procurement services. With over two decades of experience, it has developed deep expertise in product sourcing across various sectors, establishing itself as a leader in the global marketplace. We will find the best manufacturers for your product and manage the entire process so you can concentrate on building your business.
