Exports

India’s ambitious Export Promotion Mission (EPM) aims to strengthen the country’s position in global trade by boosting export competitiveness, enhancing product quality, and supporting domestic industries through targeted interventions. However, experts emphasize that the success of this mission will depend heavily on the clarity of its operational guidelines and the robustness of its funding framework. Without clearly defined objectives, measurable targets, and adequate financial backing, the initiative risks losing momentum.

India’s textile export sector has recorded an impressive 10% year-on-year growth, underscoring the nation’s strengthening position in the global apparel and fabric trade. The industry, which remains one of India’s largest employment generators, has expanded its export reach to 111 countries, reflecting sustained global demand and resilience amid shifting trade dynamics. This growth is attributed to rising orders from traditional markets like the United States and Europe, alongside strong traction in emerging economies across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

China has temporarily lifted its export restrictions on critical minerals — gallium, germanium, and antimony — to the United States, signaling a cautious recalibration in its trade strategy. These minerals are essential for the production of semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense technologies. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

In a move aimed at strengthening India’s export competitiveness, the government has constituted a review committee to reassess the incentive rates under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) schemes. The panel, comprising senior officials and trade experts, will evaluate the current rate structure to ensure exporters are adequately compensated for embedded taxes and levies not refunded through other mechanisms.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a crucial meeting with representatives from export promotion councils on October 29 to discuss strategies for accelerating India’s outbound shipments. The consultation comes amid a complex trade environment — exports rose 6.74% year-on-year in September 2025 to US$36.38 billion, but shipments to the United States, India’s top trading partner, declined nearly 12% due to recent tariff measures.

India is ramping up its rice exports, aiming to penetrate 26 international markets, as announced by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The initiative seeks to strengthen India’s position as a leading rice exporter while diversifying export destinations and reducing dependency on a few traditional markets. The strategy involves enhancing production quality, streamlining supply chains, and aligning with global food safety standards.

India’s export performance shows a contrasting trend as shipments to the United States declined, while trade with non-US markets surged, signaling a shift in global demand patterns. Data from government trade reports indicate that exports to the US fell due to weak consumer demand, trade tensions, and competitive pricing pressures. In contrast, India’s exports to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East recorded strong growth, driven by diversified manufacturing, competitive commodities, and services exports.

India’s automotive export sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in the second quarter of 2025, with exports rising 26% year-on-year, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This growth reflects sustained global demand for Indian vehicles, driven by competitive pricing, robust manufacturing quality, and diversified product offerings across passenger, commercial, and two-wheeler segments. The surge also underscores the effectiveness of export-focused policies, strategic partnerships, and incremental adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

India is set to export an estimated 7.75 lakh tonnes of sugar during the 2024-25 marketing year, signaling sustained demand for Indian sugar in global markets. The government and industry bodies are leveraging production efficiency, competitive pricing, and strong overseas demand to boost shipments. Analysts note that these exports will support domestic sugar prices, stabilize farmer incomes, and enhance India’s position as a leading global sugar exporter.

China, the world’s dominant supplier of rare earth elements (REEs), has announced new restrictions on exports, heightening concerns across global manufacturing and technology sectors. The move is seen as a strategic effort to prioritize domestic industries while controlling critical mineral flows that underpin electric vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Analysts warn that tighter supply could impact global pricing, production timelines, and supply chain resilience.