The US tile market imports a large share of the tile it uses, and importers bring in porcelain and ceramic tile from several countries. Indian tiles can fit the US market where the product meets the ANSI A137.1 standard and the importer has checked the duty position first.
We do not quote US import volumes here. Use the US International Trade Commission's DataWeb and US Census trade data for current figures by origin.
What is the US import landscape?
Tile arrives from Europe, Latin America, Asia and others. European suppliers hold the premium end, and Asian suppliers dominate on volume and value positioning. Distribution runs through specialist distributors, showroom chains, home-improvement retailers and builders.
That structure means a new origin usually enters through a distributor or a private-label programme, not through direct consumer sales. You will need a clear product line, reliable restocking and technical documents the distributor can hand to contractors.
Which standards apply?
The main reference is the ANSI A137.1 specification for ceramic tile. It sets properties such as dimensions, water absorption, breaking strength and, for floor tile, slip resistance by dynamic coefficient of friction testing. We cover it in ANSI A137.1 for tiles.
Many US buyers also expect a coefficient of friction statement on wet floor tile and a clear labelling of grade and shade. ANSI standards are usually voluntary, but specifiers, distributors and insurers treat them as the benchmark. Ask your laboratory which edition applies, and have the factory's lots tested to it.
What duty and trade checks come first?
Before you order, confirm the following with a US customs broker:
- The tariff classification of each product, since porcelain, ceramic, slab and mosaic products can fall under different headings.
- Whether any trade remedy, such as an antidumping or countervailing duty order, applies to the product and to the specific exporter. As of October 2026 you should check the current orders, because they are reviewed regularly.
- Any additional tariffs applied to goods from India, which have changed in recent years.
- Importer of record requirements and the customs bond.
Where do Indian tiles fit?
Indian factories are strongest in glazed porcelain and polished vitrified tile, large formats and a fast cycle of new digital designs. These suit mid-market programmes and private-label ranges. They are less suited to buyers who cannot absorb variation in shade or calibre, which is why factory selection matters.
Comparisons with other origins are in Indian versus Spanish floor tiles and Morbi tiles against China, Spain and Vietnam.
What logistics should you plan for?
Tiles from Gujarat leave from Mundra or Deendayal and travel to US East or Gulf coast ports, and sometimes through the West coast. Transit time and schedules vary, so get a current estimate from your forwarder. Pallets must be treated to ISPM 15; see ISPM 15 pallets for tiles.
Plan for inland delivery, because tile is heavy and local trucking limits affect how a container is received.
Next step
If you want to test the US market with Indian tiles, book a free sourcing review. We will help you find a factory that can pass ANSI testing, arrange lot testing, and supervise loading. See also what we source.