Thu Dec 25 03:07:19 UTC 2025: ## Fox Nuts Weather US Tariffs, Thanks to Booming Domestic Demand and New Markets
Katihar, India – While US tariffs on Indian goods are hitting some sectors hard, the fox nut industry appears to be weathering the storm. Despite a significant drop in exports to the US due to tariffs as high as 50%, strong domestic demand within India and the emergence of new international markets are helping fox nut producers thrive.
Fox nuts, also known as makhana, are the popped seeds of water lilies, rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants. They have gained popularity as a health food, particularly in India following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased health consciousness has driven domestic demand, with the industry seeing a doubling in sales year-on-year.
“The tariffs won’t hurt us, as the demand is increasing globally,” said Satyajit Singh of Shakti Sudha Agro Ventures, a major exporter of fox nuts. He noted increasing interest from countries like Spain and South Africa, fueled by the Indian diaspora and growing awareness of the superfood’s health benefits.
This surge in demand has also attracted new entrepreneurs like Md Gulfaraz, whose company has seen sales skyrocket in recent years. The Indian government is further supporting the industry, announcing the formation of a makhana board to promote the value chain and assist businesses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has touted the benefits of fox nuts, highlighting their potential to become a global superfood. Farmers in regions like Bihar, which accounts for 90% of global production, are also shifting to fox nut cultivation due to higher returns compared to other crops, with labourers earning significantly more in fox nut harvesting.
While US consumers may face higher prices for this increasingly popular snack due to tariffs, the Indian fox nut industry is demonstrating resilience through diversification and capitalizing on growing global and local demand.
First Piper 