India has become a global export powerhouse, with total exports reaching USD 824.9 billion in 2024-25, driven by diverse product categories ranging from electronics to pharmaceuticals. Understanding the most valuable and promising export products is essential for logistics professionals, supply chain operators, and potential exporters seeking to capitalize on India’s expanding international presence.
1. Smartphones and Mobile Phones
India has emerged as a leading electronics manufacturer, with smartphones and mobile phones representing the top export product category. India exported USD 3.17 billion worth of smartphones in January 2025 alone, establishing the country as a critical node in global technology supply chains.
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has catalyzed smartphone manufacturing capacity, attracting companies like Apple, Samsung, Foxconn, and Dixon Technologies to establish production facilities across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. This industry generates approximately 300,000 jobs and demonstrates India’s shift toward high-value manufacturing.
Export Markets: United States, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom
Logistics Considerations: Electronics require temperature-controlled containers, secure packaging, and fast-track handling to prevent damage. Export compliance involves extensive documentation including certificates of origin, anti-dumping duties in certain markets, and strict quality certifications.
2. Refined Petroleum Products
India ranks as the world’s second-largest refinery in Asia, with refined petroleum representing a USD 54 billion export category in 2024-25. Petroleum products including diesel, petrol, jet fuel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dominate global energy markets.
India’s refining advantage stems from advanced infrastructure at locations like the Jamnagar refinery, which processes crude oil into value-added products with superior efficiency. Europe has become the top destination for Indian petroleum exports, followed by Southeast Asia, Africa, and the United States. LPG demand in emerging economies experiencing rapid urbanization drives continuous export growth.
Export Markets: Netherlands, UAE, Singapore, South Africa, Europe, United States
Logistics Considerations: Petroleum exports require specialized tanker transportation, compliance with international maritime regulations (SOLAS), hazardous goods certifications, and strict environmental compliance. Export volumes typically move through dedicated port terminals with sophisticated handling infrastructure.
3. Gems and Jewellery
India dominates the global gems and jewellery market, exporting USD 9.97 billion worth of cut diamonds, precious stones, and jewellery products in 2024-25. India cuts and polishes approximately 90 percent of the world’s diamonds, positioning the country as an indispensable supplier.
The sector encompasses rough diamond imports, precision cutting and polishing operations, and finished jewellery manufacturing. India’s labor cost advantages, specialized craftsmanship, and established supply chain networks create formidable competitive advantages. Major export hubs include Surat (diamond cutting), Jaipur (gemstone processing), and Mumbai (finished jewellery).
Export Markets: USA, Hong Kong, UAE, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Logistics Considerations: High-value gems and jewellery require secure transportation with insurance coverage, air freight for time-sensitive orders, tamper-proof packaging, and customs documentation including Kimberly Process certificates for diamonds. Anti-smuggling measures and GST compliance are critical.
4. Pharmaceuticals and Biotech
India’s pharmaceutical sector generated USD 9.78 billion in exports during 2024-25, with projected growth of 10 percent or higher. India supplies approximately 50 percent of global vaccine demand and 40 percent of generic medicines consumed worldwide, earning the designation “pharmacy of the world”.
The sector encompasses generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biosimilars, and specialty biologics. Companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Cipla, and Biocon operate world-class manufacturing facilities compliant with international quality standards. Government support through PLI schemes and regulatory frameworks accelerates biotech innovation.
Export Markets: USA, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Africa
Logistics Considerations: Pharmaceutical exports require Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certifications, temperature-controlled container transportation, cold chain compliance for biological products, and strict regulatory documentation. Export timelines often require 2-3 months for regulatory approvals.
5. Engineering Goods and Machinery
Engineering goods exports reached approximately USD 65-70 billion in 2024-25, growing at 8-10 percent annually. This category includes industrial machinery, auto components, pumps, turbines, electrical equipment, and specialized manufacturing machinery.
India supplies critical components for global infrastructure projects, automotive manufacturing, power generation, and industrial automation. Companies like L&T, Bharat Forge, Bosch India, and Cummins India export to developed markets, supporting construction, renewable energy, and industrial sectors worldwide.
Export Markets: United States, European Union, ASEAN countries, Latin America, Middle East
Logistics Considerations: Heavy machinery requires specialized port handling equipment, freight forwarding coordination, dimensional weight considerations, and compliance with machinery directive standards in Europe. Export documentation includes technical specifications, test certificates, and performance guarantees.
6. Textiles and Apparel
Textiles and apparel exports grew at 6-7 percent in 2024-25, reaching approximately USD 30-35 billion. India exports synthetic wears, handloom saris, cotton garments, denim, and organic textiles. The organic and sustainable fashion segment demonstrates particularly strong growth due to global environmental consciousness.
India’s textile advantage stems from abundant raw material availability, established manufacturing infrastructure, and skilled labor. Government initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive scheme support fabric production and garment manufacturing. “Made in India” increasingly symbolizes quality and longevity in international fashion markets.
Export Markets: Middle East, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Bangladesh
Logistics Considerations: Textile exports require compliance with phytosanitary standards, labor certifications, and sustainability documentation. Organic textiles need specific certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX). Export packaging must prevent contamination and moisture damage during maritime transit.
7. Iron and Steel
India exported approximately USD 18-20 billion worth of iron and steel products in 2024-25, including sheets, bars, pipes, and specialty steel. Low-cost labor and abundant iron ore reserves provide competitive advantages in global steel markets.
India’s steel industry benefits from free trade agreements with countries like South Korea and Japan, reducing tariff barriers. Major export destinations include the United States, European Union, Middle East, and China. Steel products serve automotive, construction, machinery, and infrastructure sectors worldwide.
Export Markets: US, EU, Middle East, China, ASEAN region
Logistics Considerations: Steel exports typically involve containerized or breakbulk shipping, require corrosion protection measures, and need compliance with import regulations regarding carbon content and quality standards. Port handling coordination is essential for bulk shipments.
8. Organic and Inorganic Chemicals
Chemical exports grew at 8-10 percent annually, reaching approximately USD 12-15 billion in 2024-25. This includes acetic acid, soda ash, dye intermediates, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates. India supplies raw materials supporting global pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Companies like Aarti Industries, Tata Chemicals, and Deepak Nitrite operate advanced chemical production facilities. India’s cost-competitive manufacturing, expanding R&D capacity, and regulatory compliance attract global pharmaceutical companies outsourcing ingredient production.
Export Markets: United States, China, Brazil, Germany, UAE
Logistics Considerations: Chemical exports require hazardous goods certifications (IMDG, IATA), specialized container compatibility, safety documentation, and compliance with destination country chemical regulations. Export timelines often extend 2-3 months due to regulatory approvals.
9. Rice and Cereals
India remains the world’s largest exporter of rice, with exports reaching approximately USD 8-10 billion in 2024-25. Basmati rice commands premium positioning, while non-basmati and parboiled rice serve mass-market segments. Other cereals including wheat, maize, and specialty grains demonstrate strong growth.
India’s agricultural diversity, favorable climate, and established export infrastructure position the country as a reliable global food security provider. Recent government initiatives supporting agricultural exports and favorable trade agreements expand market opportunities.
Export Markets: Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal
Logistics Considerations: Agricultural exports require phytosanitary certifications, food safety compliance (FDA, FSIS), proper storage to prevent contamination and moisture damage, and compliance with destination country agricultural regulations. Quality certifications influence pricing.
10. Leather and Leather Products
India exports approximately USD 4-5 billion worth of leather products annually, including footwear, leather garments, and finished leather goods. India leads global leather production with established tanning and processing infrastructure primarily concentrated in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
The sector demonstrates growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced leather, with Indian manufacturers increasingly adopting green technologies. Export opportunities expand in developing markets seeking affordable, quality leather products.
Export Markets: USA, UK, Germany, France, UAE
Logistics Considerations: Leather exports require chrome-free tannery certifications, environmental compliance standards, proper moisture control during transit, and customs documentation including certificates of origin. Export timelines typically extend 1-2 months for regulatory verification.
Export Landscape and Regulatory Framework
Obtaining Export Authorization
All Indian exporters require an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), a unique 10-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The IEC process requires valid PAN (Permanent Account Number) and GST registration, with approval typically granted within 1-5 working days.
Government Support Initiatives
India’s ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission, launched in November 2025, provides two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan (₹10,401 crore) supporting MSME access to affordable trade finance, and Niryat Disha (₹14,659 crore) providing non-financial enablers including international branding assistance, participation in trade fairs, and export logistics support.
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme drives high-value manufacturing in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and auto components. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across India offer tax incentives, world-class infrastructure, and direct logistics access to facilitate exports.
Logistics Infrastructure Transformation
The Gati Shakti initiative integrates coastal, rail, road, and air networks, reducing transit times and lowering transportation costs. New port projects like Vadhvan port, optimized rail connectivity, and expansion of dedicated freight corridors strengthen India’s logistics backbone. Multimodal connectivity improvements position India as a competitive global trade hub.
Market Opportunities and Trade Trends
India’s merchandise exports are projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2026, with services exports reaching USD 387.5 billion in 2024-25. Growth drivers include global digitalization, renewable energy expansion, infrastructure development in emerging markets, and continued demand for affordable pharmaceuticals and quality industrial goods.
The transition toward high-value manufacturing—supported by PLI schemes and government policy—is reshaping India’s export basket from traditional low-value commodities toward advanced technology products, specialized chemicals, and premium agricultural goods. This evolution strengthens India’s integration into global supply chains and enhances per-unit export values.