An increase in exports substantially aids a nation such as India by generating essential foreign exchange, augmenting manufacturing, creating job opportunities, stabilizing the currency, and enhancing overall economic vitality through improved global competitiveness and the attraction of additional investments. Oil and gold imports are massive, putting pressure on India’s currency. The Modi government is taking numerous initiatives to lessen reliance on imported fuel while increasing exports of indigenously designed or Made in India items in order to reap the benefits listed below.
Selling goods and services overseas generates foreign currency, which can be used for imports, debt repayment, and maintaining a stable exchange rate.
Increased export demand drives output, expanding manufacturing industries and infrastructure in the country.
Increased production to meet export demand leads to job creation in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and export services.
Exporting a range of products can diversify the economy and reduce reliance on a single industry or market. To compete in global marketplaces, corporations must continuously develop and upgrade their technology, which can benefit the economy as a whole. Higher export values can offset import costs, resulting in a narrower trade deficit and improved balance of trade. Strong export performance enhances a nation’s global reputation and attracts international investment.
Export performance
India’s exports have seen a historic increase, hitting USD 778.21 billion in 2023-24. This represents a 67% increase from USD 466.22 billion in 2013-14. The increase underscores India’s growing position in global commerce, which is fueled by excellent performance in both merchandise and services exports. In 2023-24, merchandise exports were USD 437.10 billion, with services exports contributing USD 341.11 billion, indicating a well-balanced growth. This spike was driven by key sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron ore, and textiles. India’s export ecosystem has been strengthened by deliberate policy measures, increased competitiveness, and expanded market access, and it is now more resilient and deeply linked into the global economy. The pace has continued into FY 2024-25, with cumulative exports predicted at USD 602.64 billion from April to December 2024, up 6.03 per cent from USD 568.36 billion in the same period in 2023. India’s export ecosystem has been strengthened by deliberate policy measures, increased competitiveness, and expanded market access, and it is now more resilient and deeply linked into the global economy.
Merchandise exports climbed from USD 314 billion in 2013-14 to USD 437.10 billion in 2023-24, owing to a stronger manufacturing base and rising global demand. Service exports increased from USD 152 billion in 2013-14 to USD 341.11 billion in 2023-24, driven by the growth of IT, financial, and business services.
Top Export Regions Over the Years
In 2004-05, India’s exports were mostly oriented toward North America, the European Union, North-East Asia, the West Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council, and ASEAN. By 2013-14, export values had increased significantly throughout these regions, with North America, the EU, and West Asia showing noteworthy development. Fast forward to 2023-24, and the export environment continues to expand, with North America as the top destination. The EU, West Asia, and ASEAN all enjoyed strong growth, demonstrating India’s diverse and stronger global trade links throughout time.
Key Export Destinations in 2023-24
In 2023-24, the top merchandise export destinations for India included the USA (17.90 per cent), UAE (8.23 per cent), Netherlands (5.16 per cent), China (3.85 per cent), Singapore (3.33 per cent), UK (3.00 per cent), Saudi Arabia (2.67 per cent), Bangladesh (2.55 per cent), Germany (2.27 per cent), and Italy (2.02 per cent).
Together, these 10 countries made up 51 per cent of India’s total merchandise export value in 2023-24.
Sectoral Growth in India’s Exports
Mobile phone shipments increased to $15.6 billion in 2023-24 from $0.2 billion in 2014-15. Domestic mobile phone production increased from 5.8 crore units in 2014-15 to 33 crore units in 2023-24, while imports declined dramatically.
Pharmaceutical Exports Increase: India, which ranks third in global medication and pharmaceutical output by volume, saw its pharmaceutical exports increase from USD 15.07 billion in 2013-14 to USD 27.85 billion in FY 2023-24.
Engineering Goods Exports: Engineering goods exports increased to USD 109.32 billion in FY 2023-24, from USD 62.26 billion in FY 2013-14.
Agricultural Export Growth: India’s agricultural exports climbed from USD 22.70 billion in 2013-14 to USD 48.15 billion by 2023-24.
Ease of Business and Digital Initiatives
Compliance and decriminalisation reforms include the elimination of over 42,000 compliances and the decriminalization of 3,800 rules in order to simplify company procedures. The National Single Window System (NSWS) streamlines clearances by allowing enterprises to apply for 277 central approvals. Trade Connect e-Platform: Connects over 6 lakh IEC holders to Indian missions and export councils for seamless trade facilitation. Enhanced Insurance Coverage for MSME Exporters Offers ₹20,000 crore in low-cost credit to 10,000 MSME exporters.
E-Commerce and Digital Trade
The E-Commerce Export Hub (ECEH) aims to increase e-commerce exports to $100 billion by 2030, connecting SMEs and craftsmen to global markets. The ICEGATE Digital Platform modernizes customs processes by enabling e-filing, real-time tracking, and seamless documentation.
Agriculture and Organic Exports
The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is expected to assist 20 lakh farmers, with organic exports projected to top $1 billion by 2025-26.
Infrastructure & Logistics
The National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM GatiShakti aim to cut logistics costs while improving multimodal connectivity through GIS-based planning.
Production-Link Incentive (PLI) Schemes: The projects, worth Rs 1.97 lakh crore, aim to boost exports by promoting large-scale manufacturing in 14 critical areas. Over Rs. 1.47 lakh crore of investment has been recorded until October 2024, resulting in Rs. 13 lakh crore of production/sales and approximately 10 lakh jobs created (directly and indirectly). Exports have increased by Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
India’s strategy for meeting the US$ 2 trillion objective by 2030 relies around a multifaceted approach that includes government policy measures, infrastructure development, and a focus on the major sectors that drive these exports. India’s export achievements are a reflection of its expanding manufacturing capabilities, strategic initiatives, and dedication to innovation. With exports reaching new heights in both commodities and services, the country has solidified its position as a major player in global trade. The rise of high-value sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and agriculture, together with advances in e-commerce and digital trade, demonstrate India’s expanding worldwide impact. India’s export journey demonstrates the country’s expanding economic might. The government’s forward-thinking measures, like as the New Foreign Trade Policy, PLI Schemes, and many more, play an important part in increasing India’s global competitiveness. As India diversifies its export portfolio and expands its worldwide presence, it is on track to reach its goal of being a global economic powerhouse by 2047.
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