Outlook Business Desk
Gujarat has retained its position as India’s top exporting state in 2024–25, with outbound shipments worth ₹9.83 lakh crore. This accounts for 26.6% of the country’s total exports, according to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Although Gujarat’s exports dipped slightly from the previous year, the state maintained its dominance across multiple sectors. Its performance was driven by both traditional strengths—like chemicals, petroleum products, and engineering goods—and emerging growth areas such as electronics, aerospace, and green energy.
The United States, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates remained Gujarat’s top export destinations. The report added that sectors like aerospace and shipbuilding saw triple-digit growth, marking a shift towards high-value, innovation-led exports.
Uttar Pradesh climbed to the fifth spot among Indian exporting states, with record exports worth ₹1.86 lakh crore. FIEO said the growth was broad-based, covering electronics, handicrafts, aerospace, and silk apart from other emerging sectors.
The report also highlighted Gautam Buddha Nagar—home to electronics and software clusters—as UP’s export engine, contributing over half the state’s exports. Government schemes like One District One Product (ODOP) boosted both modern hubs and traditional artisans.
Madhya Pradesh recorded its highest-ever exports in 2024–25 at ₹66,218 crore, climbing to 11th place nationally—its best rank so far. The surge was led by pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and soybean-based animal feed.
Indore and Dhar emerged as Madhya Pradesh’s top export hubs, backed by strong industrial ecosystems and expanding special economic zones. The report also noted rising exports in rubber, starch, and textiles, which signalled a more diverse export base.
FIEO’s latest report focuses on Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, with more states to be reviewed soon. It highlights a shift in India’s export landscape, where inland regions are gaining momentum alongside coastal hubs, led by innovation and sectoral diversity.
India’s merchandise trade deficit rose to $282.8 billion in 2024–25, as reported by Mint. While exports stayed steady at around $437 billion, imports crossed $720 billion. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh led in export rankings.