The United States market for Indian vitrified & ceramic tiles
The USA is a major buyer of Morbi tiles. US duty on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026 (per our compliance research, secondary legal analysis): MFN rate plus a 10% Section 301 tariff in force since 24 Jul 2026; Section 232 goods (steel, aluminium, copper, autos/parts) pay the 232 rate instead. Re-verify before quoting landed cost.
Indian community in United States (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 6,079,221 overseas Indians (PIO 3,767,737 + NRI 2,311,484) — largest PIO population worldwide.
Vitrified & Ceramic Tiles specification for United States orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Water absorption | ≤ 0.5% for vitrified/porcelain (ISO 13006 Group BIa); 10-20% for ceramic wall tiles (typical) |
| Sizes | 600x600, 600x1200, 800x800, 800x1600, 1200x2400 mm; wall 300x450, 300x600 (typical) |
| Thickness | 8-9 mm (600x600), 9-15 mm slabs, 20 mm outdoor (typical) |
| Modulus of rupture | ≥ 35 N/mm² for BIa (ISO 13006, typical) |
| Finish | Glossy, satin, matt, carving, sugar/lappato, anti-slip R10-R11 (typical) |
| Shade/caliber | Batch-wise shade and size grading (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping vitrified & ceramic tiles to United States
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → New York / New Jersey: 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days. India-USEC services route via Suez/Med when open; FDA prior notice >=8h before arrival by sea
Supply window: Indian vitrified & ceramic tiles is mainly produced or harvested Year-round. Allow 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and United States customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~24-27 MT (≈ 1,200-1,400 m² of 600x600x9 mm), 40' HC Weight-limited; 20' used.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP; CIF New York / New Jersey is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in United States
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah | Port of Savannah (Garden City Terminal) - largest single-terminal container facility in No | retailers' distribution centres, importers of record/3PLs serving US Southeast, engineering & auto-component importers (Hyundai Metaplant nearby) |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to United States take?
Typically 24-30 via Suez; 32-40 via Cape days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to New York / New Jersey, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does United States have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA; BTA under negotiation (talks 1–4 Jun 2026) [S7]. Tariff on Indian goods as of 22 Oct 2026: MFN + 10% Section 301 (from 24 Jul 2026), or the Section 232 rate for steel/aluminium/autos/copper; IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court 20 Feb 2026 — verify weekly [06 §C.3] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to vitrified & ceramic tiles from India?
Usually HS 690721. United States applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is the difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles?
Vitrified/porcelain tiles have water absorption of 0.5% or less, so they are dense and strong for floors. Ceramic wall tiles are more porous and lighter.
Do EU anti-dumping duties apply?
Yes. Indian ceramic tiles carry producer-specific EU anti-dumping duties, so the rate depends on the factory.
What is GVT/PGVT?
Glazed vitrified tiles, and polished glazed vitrified tiles, both with digitally printed designs.
Related guides
Request a quote: vitrified & ceramic tiles to United States
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in United States. We quote CIF/CFR with full export documentation.