India has emerged as a powerhouse in global trade, exporting products worth over $825 billion in FY 2024‑25 The Times of India+2Cybex+2The Times of India+2. But what are the most exported products from India? In this comprehensive guide, we unpack India’s top 10 exports, key trends shaping 2025 growth, major markets, and export opportunities for businesses and investors.
Why Understanding India’s Top Exports Matters
Analysing what are India’s top 10 exports helps businesses identify high-demand sectors and global opportunities. These export categories reflect India’s manufacturing prowess, resource strengths, and government trade agendas like Make in India, PLI schemes, and RoDTEP The Times of IndiaShiprocket.
India’s Top 10 Exports for 2024–25
Based on recent export data, here are the most exported products from India, along with their export values and growth trends:
1. Mineral Fuels, Including Petroleum Products (~$75 billion; ~17% share)
India is a major exporter of refined petroleum oils, diesel, and naphtha. Though arisings faced a decline of ~15% in FY24, it remains the highest‑value export category World’s Top ExportsCredlix.
2. Electrical Machinery & Equipment (Electronics) (~$40 billion; ~9%)
Electronics exports surged nearly +79% YOY in early 2025, driven by smartphone components, transformers, and accessories, especially to the USA, UAE, and China Shiprocket.
3. Machinery & Computers (~$32.5 billion; ~7.4%)
Engineering goods and computer-related machinery make up this category, with steady growth to global markets such as Europe and Southeast Asia World’s Top ExportsThe Times of IndiaCybex.
4. Gems, Precious Metals & Jewelry (~$30 billion; ~6.8%)
India is the global hub for diamond cutting and gold jewelry. Though export growth slowed recently (~‑3%), demand from the USA, UAE, and expanding Middle Eastern markets continues strong The Times of India.
5. Pharmaceuticals (~$23–30 billion; ~5–7%)
Known as the “Pharmacy of the World”, India exports generic medicines, APIs, and vaccines—supplying over 60% of global vaccine needs Wikipedia.
6. Vehicles & Auto Components (~$22 billion; ~5%)
Exports of passenger and commercial vehicles, two- and three‑wheelers continue growing—especially to African and Latin American markets—led by companies like Tata, Bajaj, and Hero Credlix+1Cybex+1.
7. Organic Chemicals (~$21 billion; ~4.7%)
Exports of chemicals used in pharma, agro and industrial sectors rose ~16% in early 2025 as part of global China‑plus‑one sourcing strategies Credlix.
8. Cereals (Agricultural Products) (~$12 billion; ~2.7%)
Rice (especially Basmati), cereals, and processed food products grew ~44% in exports in January 2025, benefiting from lifted export bans and packaging modernization World’s Top ExportsShiprocketFinancial TimesShipGlobal.in.
9. Iron & Steel; Related Articles (~$10 billion; ~2–2.3%)
India exported steel products and iron goods to infrastructure-heavy markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East—driven by large global demand in construction and industrial applications World’s Top ExportsCredlixETEnergyworld.com.
10. Other Fast-Growing Sectors (Leather, Rubber, Medical Devices etc.)
Though smaller in export value, sectors like leather goods, tyres, industrial valves, and medical instruments posted strong global shares and rising demand in new markets ETEnergyworld.com.
Emerging Trends in Indian Export Landscape
- Electronics & Engineering Goods Lead Growth: High-growth sectors like technology goods and machinery are now driving export momentum thanks to PLI incentives and global supply chain shifts The Times of India+8Shiprocket+8gfebusiness.org+8.
- Aggressive Diversification: India is expanding exports into new markets—Africa, Latin America, ASEAN nations—and across sectors such as pharma, agro products, and IT services CybexShipGlobal.in.
- Green & Value-Added Push: Demand for organic, sustainable textiles, eco-friendly food products, and innovative packaging is increasing across Europe and Middle East markets gfebusiness.org.
- Defense & High-Tech Boost: India’s defense exports are rapidly rising—with systems like BrahMos missiles, radar tech, and drones targeting a ₹500 billion goal by 2029 Financial Times.
Key Export Destinations: Who Buys Indian Goods?
India exports to a diverse set of countries. Latest stats show key importers include:
- USA – electronics, gems, machinery
- UAE – minerals, jewelry, agri (e.g. mangoes & rice) gfebusiness.org+1ShipGlobal.in+1Credlix+2Shiprocket+2gfebusiness.org+2
- EU – textiles, agro goods, machinery
- China, Bangladesh, Singapore – chemicals, auto components, pharmaceuticals Cybex
Opportunities & Challenges
Opportunities:
- Rising global demand for electronics and pharmaceuticals—India’s high-tech capability is drawing investment.
- Export policy support like RoDTEP, FTAs with UAE, Australia, ASEAN region Cybexeconomictimes.indiatimes.com.
- Emerging markets in Africa and Latin America hungry for Indian machinery, medicines, clothing.
Challenges:
- Rising trade barriers—US and EU tariffs and regulatory hurdles pose risks (~$7B potential loss) reuters.com.
- Logistics and raw material cost volatility.
- Global quality compliance demands for smaller exporters.
Summary Table: India’s Top 10 Exports (2024–25)
| Rank | Product Category | Export Value (~USD billion) | Growth Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Products | ~75–84 | ~17% share; refining in focus |
| 2 | Electrical Machinery | ~40 | +79% in early 2025, highest growth |
| 3 | Machinery & Computers | ~32.5 | Steady growth, global market diversification |
| 4 | Gems & Jewelry | ~30 | Market pivot to Middle East after tariff rise |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals | ~24–31 | Vaccines & generics dominate export volumes |
| 6 | Vehicles & Auto Parts | ~21–22 | Strong in Africa, Latin America |
| 7 | Organic Chemicals | ~21 | Rising demand in Pharma & agro industries |
| 8 | Cereals & Agro Products | ~12 | ~44% growth; rice, spices, packaged foods |
| 9 | Iron, Steel Products | ~10 | Infrastructure-driven exports |
| 10 | Leather, Rubber & Others | Varies (~5‑7) | Niche but fast growing segments |