Shipment delays, Trump tariffs leave Gujaratis disappointed ahead of festive season

Thousands of Gujaratis in the US are facing disappointment this festive season as gift parcels filled with traditional Indian sweets remain stuck or delayed due to increased courier tariffs and customs duties.

Families who once regularly sent or received sweets from Gujarat are now struggling with soaring costs and long delays.

Over the past six months, the Trump administration’s import policies have slapped up to 50% tariffs on several Indian goods, including food items. Until August 27, shipments worth up to $800 entered the US duty-free, but now they attract steep customs charges. 

For instance, a ₹5,000 sweet box now incurs an additional ₹2,500 in duties making it unaffordable for many.

Courier companies and sweet exporters in Gujarat say they’ve suffered 70-80% business losses, and thousands of workers in the state’s famous sweet-making hubs are affected.

Adding to the woes, India Post suspended parcel services to the US on August 22, resuming them only on October 15. However, new customs checks have led to 8-15 days of delay, and in some cases, packages are held up for months.

A family shared their frustration, saying, “We received a sari after our wedding was already over.” Many have now stopped sending larger parcels altogether.

With exports from Gujarat to the US falling by nearly 70%, the impact is both emotional and economic, as festive connections between families across continents are strained.

For the first time, many NRG (Non-Resident Gujarati) families in the US are celebrating Diwali without their favorite sweets from home.