India’s export market has experienced a remarkable surge, reaching $820 billion in 2024-25, marking a 67% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth highlights India’s expanding influence in global trade, with key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron ore, and textiles driving the momentum.
As India continues to strengthen its presence in international markets, understanding the top products driving this growth is essential for businesses and exporters. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 products being exported from India and how these sectors are shaping the future of global trade.
List of Top 10 Products Exported from India
India's export market is diverse, with key products spanning across multiple industries, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth. Here is a table highlighting the top products exported from India, showcasing their global demand and importance in international trade.
| Product | Key Export Products | Major Export Markets | Export Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Products | Petrol, Diesel, Jet Fuel, LPG | UAE, Europe, Singapore, South Africa, US, Netherlands | |
| Pharmaceuticals | Generics, APIs, Biopharmaceuticals, Vaccines | USA, EU, Japan, South Korea | |
| Gems and Jewellery | Gold, Diamonds, Pearls, Gemstones | USA, Hong Kong, UAE, Switzerland, UK | |
| Automobiles | Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles | US, Europe, Africa | |
| Textiles and Garments | Cotton, Silk, Wool, Synthetic Fibres, Ethnic Attire | UK, US, UAE | |
| Organic and Inorganic Chemicals | Acetic acid, Soda ash, Dye intermediates | US, China, Brazil, Germany, UAE | |
| Iron and Steel | Sheets, Bars, Pipes | US, EU, Middle East, China | |
| Machines and Equipment | Machine tools, Pumps, Engines, Turbines | US, UAE, Netherlands, UK | |
| Dairy Products | Milk, Ghee, Cheese | US, UK, EU | |
| Tea | Darjeeling, Assam, Green tea | UK, US, Middle East, Russia, Turkey |
Image Source: India’s Exports Reach Historic Heights
1.Petroleum Products
India, the second-largest refinery in Asia, exports key petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, jet fuel, gasoline, and LPG to the US, the Netherlands, and other countries.
As global energy demand rises, India’s petroleum exports have started booming. The ever-growing demand for fuel in transportation and industry keeps the market for petroleum products extremely lucrative. As countries increasingly focus on shifting to cleaner fuels, India remains competitive thanks to its ability to supply various grades of petroleum products.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Petroleum Products?
- Due to cost-effectiveness, India’s affordable, high-quality petroleum products are gaining global traction.
- LPG and diesel are in high demand in emerging economies where urbanization and industrialization are expanding rapidly.
- Europe became the top destination for India’s petroleum product exports, thus offering a lucrative opportunity for Indian businesses to expand their footprint.
- India's petroleum refineries have some of the lowest operating costs, allowing them to export petroleum products at competitive rates.
Challenges in Exporting Petroleum Products
Regulatory Compliance: Exporting petroleum products requires navigating complex international regulations, including customs clearance and compliance with environmental standards.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Indian exporters must work with trusted partners to mitigate risks such as delays or damages during transportation.
Managing Payments: Dealing with international clients means managing payments across different currencies. A streamlined payment system is essential, offering secure and fast solutions with minimal delays and financial risks.
2.Pharmaceuticals
India is often referred to as the 'pharmacy of the world', known for its combination of affordable pricing and high-quality pharmaceutical products. With the rising demand for cost-effective treatments globally, India's pharmaceutical exports are set to continue growing.
By 2030, India’s pharma exports are projected to reach $65 billion. They could reach $350 billion by 2047, positioning the country among the top five global pharmaceutical exporters by expanding its product offerings, as per industry reports.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Pharmaceutical Products?
High Global Demand: India supplies 60% of the world's vaccines and is a major exporter of affordable generic medicines.
Robust Manufacturing Capacity: India has numerous factories that adhere to global safety and quality standards, ensuring that medicines are qualified for export.
Skilled Workforce: With a strong pool of talented scientists, researchers, and pharmaceutical professionals, India leads the development of new medicines.
Government Support: The Indian government supports pharmaceutical exports with incentives like reduced taxes and initiatives like 'Make in India' to boost growth.
Effective documentation is crucial for smooth export operations, ensuring compliance and timely processing of shipments. Learn more about mastering export documentation strategies.
3.Gems and Jewels
The gems and jewellery sector represents approximately 15.71% of India’s total merchandise exports, making it the 3rd largest commodity by share. As of FY25 (up to February), exports in this sector amounted to $25.73 billion.
Blessed with abundant natural resources, India’s gemstone and jewellery industry shines on the world stage thanks to its rich history of craftsmanship and the sheer diversity of its offerings.
From intricate gold jewellery to precious gemstones, India caters to customers seeking both traditional and modern styles. Cities like Jaipur and Surat have long been centres for diamond cutting and gemstone processing, while Mumbai and Kolkata are famous for gold jewellery.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Gold & Jewellery Products?
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs): The scheme supports Export Promotion Councils and trade associations, enabling you to carry out promotional activities and boost the global outreach of Indian gems and jewellery exporters.
Expanding Market Reach:Tapping into emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America presents significant growth opportunities, leading to higher export potential and adapting products to global consumer preferences.
Sustainability and Circular Economy:Implementing sustainable practices, such as recycling precious metals and adopting eco-friendly mining and production techniques, boosts the industry's environmental responsibility while promoting long-term growth.
4.Automobiles
India is one of the world’s top automobile producers, manufacturing around 22 million vehicles. It ranks as the 4th largest producer of passenger and commercial vehicles.
Two-wheelers dominate the industry, accounting for nearly 77% of the market share. Major manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai have capitalized on this growth, becoming the leading exporters of passenger cars.
The export value of automobiles is projected to reach $30 billion by 2026, further highlighting India’s growing influence in the global automotive market.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Automobiles?
BSVI Emission Norms:The mandatory shift to Bharat Stage VI emission standards for two-wheelers makes Indian exports more competitive globally.
Government Initiatives:The Indian government’s efforts to ease trade regulations and improve the ease of doing business attract investments and encourage the setting up of manufacturing units.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The PLI scheme, which requires a $3-4 billion investment over 5 years, offers financial incentives and subsidies to boost domestic production.
5.Textiles and Garments
The Indian textile industry ranks among the largest globally, contributing approximately 4% to the global textile and apparel trade. From April to February 2024-25, India's merchandise exports reached $395.63 billion, slightly higher than USD 395.38 billion during the same period last year.
However, Indian textile exporters face stiff competition from countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China, which benefit from lower production costs, government subsidies, and more streamlined regulatory processes, enabling them to offer textiles at more competitive prices.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Textiles?
Employment Generation: Textile exports create millions of jobs, especially in rural areas, providing livelihoods for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Contribution to GDP:The textile industry plays a crucial role in India's GDP, generating significant revenue, tax income, and investments that promote economic growth.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: Textile exports are vital for India’s foreign exchange reserves, helping stabilize the currency and supporting imports of critical goods and services.
6.Organic and Inorganic Chemicals
India is a key global player in the manufacturing and export of chemicals, including pigments, dyes, agrochemicals, and both inorganic and organic chemicals. Ranked third in Asia and sixth globally, India’s $178 billion chemical industry is expected to grow to $300 billion by the end of 2025.
Starting an organic chemical export business in India can be highly profitable for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the international market. Moreover, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare are major consumers of organic chemicals, further increasing the business potential.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Organic and Inorganic Chemicals?
Government Support: The Indian government promotes chemical exports through initiatives like GST implementation and 100% FDI under the automatic route.
Skilled Workforce:India boasts a large pool of technically skilled and cost-effective talent, driving research and development in the chemical sector.
Strategic Location: India’s strategic position and strong transportation infrastructure make it an ideal hub for exporting chemicals to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
To streamline export payment tracking and ensure regulatory compliance, learn how the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) can benefit exporters.
7.Iron and Steel
India has been a leading steel producer for years, but has only recently become a key exporter. Steel exports from India present a lucrative opportunity for traders. Did you know? India is the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel, with a production of 151.1 million tonnes in fiscal year 2024-25.
Its steel products are widely used in construction, automotive, and other industries globally. India exports a wide range of steel products crucial for infrastructure and development projects.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Iron and Steel?
Infrastructure and Efficiency:India’s investments in modern infrastructure enhance productivity, reduce wastage, and promote cost-effective production.
Low-Cost Labor and Raw Materials: India’s low-cost labor and abundant iron ore reserves help maintain competitive production and diverse exports, including processed steel products.
Attractive Trade Agreements:India benefits from free trade agreements with countries like Korea and Japan, offering favorable tariff plans that make Indian steel products more competitive internationally.
8.Machines and Equipment
India has emerged as a major player in the global machinery market, with exports worth billions annually across various sectors. The engineering industry is India’s largest, contributing 3.53% to the country’s GDP.
The key exports in the industrial machinery category include IC engines, food processing and agricultural machinery, and ATMs, supporting diverse industries like manufacturing, automobiles, and metal production.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Machines and Equipment?
Government Support:The Indian government boosts machinery exports through export promotion schemes, tax benefits, and infrastructure development, creating a favorable environment for growth.
Innovation and Technology: Adopting new technologies allows Indian manufacturers to produce world-class machinery that meets global standards.
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9.Dairy Products
With companies like Amul at the forefront, India's dairy sector has earned global recognition for producing high-quality, nutritious products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Amul’s revenue touched ₹90,000 crore in the financial year 2025, reflecting its significant role in the global dairy industry. Known for their distinct taste and nutritional richness, export products, especially milk, ghee, and cheese, are gaining popularity in regions like the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Dairy Products?
Growing Global Demand: India's dairy products, particularly milk, yogurt, and butter, are in demand worldwide due to their quality and affordability.
Government Support: The Indian government provides various schemes and infrastructure support to encourage dairy exports, helping you navigate global markets.
Established Channels:India has well-established export routes and quality assurance processes for its dairy products in major markets like the UAE, USA, and Europe.
10.Tea
India is the 2nd largest producer of tea worldwide, known for its high quality, which is attributed to factors such as unique geographical indications, substantial investments in tea processing, continuous innovation, a wide range of products, and strategic market growth. The country's tea industry plays a significant role in the global market, with deep cultural and historical roots.
In 2024, the Indian tea market reached a volume of 1.34 million tons, driven by growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of green and herbal teas. The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a volume of 2.08 million tons by 2034.
Why Should You Consider Exporting Tea?
India’s Unique Tea Varieties:India is home to some of the most sought-after tea varieties, like Darjeeling and Assam, which are known for their distinct flavors and premium quality.
Government Support for Exports:The Indian government’s initiatives, such as export promotion schemes, financial incentives, and support for the tea processing industry, provide a favorable environment for expanding tea exports to international markets.
What are Some of the Challenges in Exporting Goods from India?
Exporting goods from India presents challenges such as logistics complexities, meeting stringent quality standards, and managing fluctuating global demand.
Logistics Complexities:Managing logistics for bulk raw materials, finished products, or mineral ores can be a significant hurdle for Indian exporters. However, with the National Logistics Policy (NLP) in place, transportation costs are expected to improve, easing logistical challenges.
Decarbonization Challenge: As global trading mechanisms shift towards sustainability, decarbonization is becoming a priority. Exporters must adopt green practices to meet international regulations, which require investment in cleaner technologies and more efficient processes.
Cross-Border Transactions with Multi-Currency Payments:Handling payments in multiple currencies and managing cross-border transactions can be a daunting task for exporters, especially when dealing with fluctuating exchange rates and complex payment systems.
How PayGlocal Payment Platform Helps Exporters?
PayGlocal offers a comprehensive solution for exporters managing multi-currency transactions, simplifying the payment process with seamless cross-border transactions. PayGlocal enhances transparency, ensures compliance with screening protocols like Samruddhi X, and automates export payment monitoring.
With real-time tracking and multi-currency support, exporters can efficiently handle foreign payments and focus on scaling their global business. Get started today to streamline your international payment process.
Conclusion
India's export industry continues to show immense potential, with key sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and gems & jewellery driving growth. While challenges such as logistical complexities, competition, and regulatory hurdles remain, platforms like PayGlocal streamline cross-border payments, helping exporters manage multi-currency transactions and ensuring compliance.
As India strengthens its export strategies, it is well-positioned to become an even more influential player in the global trade arena.
FAQs
1. What Export Challenges Does India Face?
India encounters challenges such as regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, global competition, currency fluctuations and changing global trade policies pose risks to India’s export sector.
2. How Do I Get Clients to Export?
To find clients for your export business, connect with Export Promotion Councils (EPC) and agents who help find export clients. Boost your online presence through digital marketing and create helpful content to showcase your products. Conduct a survey abroad to identify potential markets and explore online foreign marketplaces to expand your reach.
3. How to Select a Product for Export?
To select a product for export, research global demand, analyze profitability, assess competition, and understand trade regulations. Focus on unique, high-demand products with strong growth potential and ensure a reliable supply to meet overseas market needs.
4. What is the Cost of an Export License in India?
The cost of obtaining an export license (Import Export Code or IEC) in India is typically ₹500 for the government fee. Additional professional fees may range from ₹1000 to ₹2000 if agencies assist with the application.
