US Agribusiness Giants Expand Presence in Indian Market Amid Trade Tensions

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As US President Donald Trump moves forward with imposing steep tariffs on several countries including India, major American agribusiness corporations are stepping up efforts to expand their operations in the Indian market.

A recent report by SBI Research, as reported by IANS, reveals that these US companies are using their strong financial resources to dominate markets worldwide, with India increasingly in their sights. Despite this growing interest, the Indian government has made it clear that any trade agreements will not come at the expense of the country’s vital farming, dairy, and small business sectors. Officials have firmly stated there will be no compromises on farmers, dairy producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. They also rejected the import of genetically modified crops.

Several of the world’s largest US agribusiness firms already have significant operations in India. Cargill Inc., the largest privately-owned US company by revenue and the world’s top grain trader, has been active in India since 1987. Cargill’s Indian operations cover food products, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial goods. The company generated around Rs 13,850 crore in revenue in the 2024 fiscal year. Globally, Cargill operates in over 70 countries with approximately 155,000 employees.

Another major player, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), a leader in food processing and commodities trading, has been in India since 2011. ADM runs 25 processing plants and 59 procurement centers across the Asia-Pacific region and employs about 38,000 people worldwide. Bunge Global SA, known for edible oils, milling products, and fertilizers, has been present in India since 2001. The company reported revenue of Rs 8,900 crore for the first nine months of the 2025 fiscal year.

Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat producers globally, entered the Indian market through a joint venture with the Godrej Group in 2015. Additionally, CHS Inc., a US farmer-owned cooperative operating in 65 countries including India, offers crop nutrition and protection products and employs nearly 10,000 people globally.

When it comes to dairy, India holds a clear advantage in raw milk production compared to the US. In 2015, India produced 155.5 million tonnes of milk, slightly ahead of the European Union’s 154.6 million tonnes and well above the US total of 94.6 million tonnes. By 2024, India’s milk production increased by 36 percent to 211.7 million tonnes while the EU produced 165.9 million tonnes and the US produced 102.5 million tonnes. Despite lagging in raw milk output, the US remains a major market for processed dairy products.

Experts caution that any concessions in India’s agriculture and dairy sectors during trade negotiations could allow these powerful global companies to increase their market penetration. However, New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to protect its farmers and small businesses from undue foreign pressure.