India’s AWL Agri Business expects a boost to exports of its Fortune-branded basmati rice and edible oils to the United States following a sharp reduction in US import tariffs under the newly announced India–US trade deal, a senior company executive said.
US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a trade agreement with India that cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, in return for India halting purchases of Russian oil and lowering trade barriers. The move is expected to ease cost pressures for Indian exporters and improve competitiveness in the US market.
Lower duties are likely to support AWL Agri’s efforts to scale up shipments of basmati rice and edible oils, Executive Deputy Chairman Angshu Mallick told Reuters. Exports currently contribute about 8% of the company’s overall sales, with the US accounting for roughly 5% of export revenues. The company expects the US share to rise following the tariff reduction, although Mallick said the finer details of the trade agreement are still being reviewed.
To capitalize on the opportunity, AWL Agri plans to strengthen its presence in the US by leveraging its existing distributor relationships and the global network of its Singapore-based parent, Wilmar International.
The company is also projecting robust growth in the coming year. For fiscal 2026, AWL Agri expects revenue to cross ₹715 billion, exceeding market estimates of ₹708.6 billion, according to analyst projections compiled by LSEG.
The outlook comes amid signs of recovery in domestic consumption. Indian consumer goods companies have pointed to improving demand after several subdued quarters, following the implementation of government consumption tax cuts towards the end of September.
AWL Agri reported an 8% increase in sales volumes in its core edible oil business during the December quarter, with overall revenue rising 10% year-on-year to a record ₹186.03 billion. However, net profit declined 35% to ₹2.69 billion, as earnings in the year-ago quarter were supported by a one-time gain from higher commodity prices.
High commodity prices typically pressure packaged cooking oil makers by forcing price hikes that can dampen demand, though companies holding lower-cost inventory can benefit when market prices rise.
AWL Agri Business was earlier known as Adani Wilmar and rebranded last March after the Adani Group exited the joint venture by selling its stake to Wilmar International.