Archive · 14 Jan 2026
US Tariffs Impact Indian Nutraceutical Exports
Sanjaya Mariwala, a leader in the nutraceutical industry, says that high US tariffs on certain ingredients are hurting Indian exports.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals are not exempt from these tariffs, which can be as high as 50%.
This makes it harder for Indian companies to compete.
Mariwala suggests that the Indian government should work to clarify how nutraceutical products are classified so they can be tracked and sold more easily.
He also believes the upcoming budget should focus on results and support the nutraceutical industry with better regulations and clinical validation for preventive healthcare.
US import tariffs of about 50% on certain nutraceutical ingredients are impacting Indian exports.
Nutraceuticals are not exempt from US tariffs, unlike pharmaceuticals, despite their link to health and wellness.
The Indian nutraceutical industry is valued at over $22 billion, with exports worth $954.41 million up to March 2025.
Mariwala calls for regulatory clarity in the classification of nutraceutical products under HSN codes to improve tracking and competitiveness.
He urges the government to align tariff policies with scientific and commercial realities and to focus on outcome-based budgeting.
- Who
- Sanjaya Mariwala, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of OmniActive Health Technologies
- What
- US import tariffs of about 50% on certain nutraceutical ingredients are impacting Indian exports
- When
- The issue is ongoing, with a recent submission to the Commerce Ministry
- Where
- India and the United States
- Why
- The tariffs create a disparity in competitiveness for Indian nutraceutical exports, and there is a need for regulatory clarity and alignment with scientific and commercial realities
- Industry Size
- Over $22 billion
- Exports Value (up to March 2025)
- $954.41 million
- Tariff Rate on Nutraceuticals
- 50%
- Tariff Rate on Colorants
- 0%
- Key Market
- United States
- HSN Code Issue
- Classification under spices, vegetables, or 'others'
- Public Health Spending Target
- 2.5% of GDP
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- 1.7 lakh operational