It’s not looking all rosy for India’s flower exports, as the Trump tariffs are expected to weigh on this category, aside of big-ticket export items such as steel, aluminium and auto components, a market analysis has shown.
US was the top importer of cut flowers from India, accounting for nearly a third of India’s overall flower exports in 2024-25. Of the $18.5 million worth of flowers exported in the first 10 months of FY25, around $5.5 million headed to the American shores, with another $3.1 million going to the United Arab Emirates and $2.7 million to Malaysia. Together, the three nations have a 60 percent share in India’s exports of cut and fresh flowers.
Most of India’s floral exports to the US was in the form of cut flowers for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, which includes roses, lilies and carnations. In this category, US accounted for 45 percent of the country’s exports of flowers, making it a highly important export market for India.
India’s flower exports have remained unchanged over the last six years, but a closer look shows that the US’ share in India’s export of flowers has grown during this period. In 2017-18, Washington D.C. had a 10.8 percent share of New Delhi’s exports, which rose to 26.5 percent in 2022-23 and further to 29.7 percent in 2024-25 (April-January).
After the tariff announcement and the subsequent pause by President Trump, India and America have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) for which Terms of Reference has been announced on April 21. US Vice President JD Vance met Prime Minister Modi during his four-day visit to India, following which both leaders announced the finalization of the Terms of Reference for BTA negotiation.
US President Trump had imposed 26 percent tariff on Indian imports as part of his April 2 reciprocal tariffs but reversed his stance on April 9 levying a flat 10 percent duty on products from all nations entering US territory, barring China.
