India officially incorporated Argentine yerba mate into its food regulations and enabled regular commercial imports, a historic decision that eliminates much of the bureaucratic and tariff barriers that for years hindered the entry of the product into one of the largest markets in the world.
The authorization was formalized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the agency responsible for regulating food safety in that country, following efforts made by the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Senasa, the governments of Misiones and Corrientes, Indian authorities, and companies in the yerba sector.
An Argentine business delegation met with authorities and entrepreneurs from India
Until now, yerba mate was considered an exotic product within the Indian import system. Each buyer had to submit a special request, go through procedures that could extend for months, and pay tariffs exceeding 130%, even for shipments of just a few kilos.
With the incorporation of the product into the Food Code of India, Argentine companies will be able to close deals directly with local importers and pay a tariff close to 30%. This reduction significantly improves the competitiveness of national production and allows for the abandonment of the limited scheme of experimental shipments.
“With this incorporation into the Food Code, the process changes completely,” explained Yonathan Klimiuk, manager of Klimiuk Infusiones and a member of one of the trade delegations that participated in the negotiations. The businessman noted that his company is already working with two Indian importers and preparing its first shipments.
Yonathan Klimiuk alongside Mani Manchanda, Indian businessman
Also participating in the process were companies such as Playadito, Piporé, Las Marías, and Primicia. Some of them had previously attempted to enter the market, but high taxes and logistical costs made it practically unfeasible to maintain a stable commercial operation.
Since there is no tradition of consuming mate and bombilla in India, companies began to develop blends, tea bags, soluble products, and other variants similar to tea, one of the most consumed beverages by the Indian population.
Javier Milei alongside Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India
The measure represents a strategic opportunity for a sector facing strong production and an internal market with little room for expansion. About 90% of consumption remains concentrated within Argentina, so the opening of new destinations is essential to increase exports.
With more than 1.4 billion inhabitants and a culture strongly linked to the consumption of infusions, India represents a market of enormous potential, while the commercial opening driven by the Argentine Foreign Ministry constitutes a historic opportunity for the yerba sector.
