Top Export Businesses to consider
You can select an export business idea depending on your area of interest, available resources and target market. Here are some of the top import-export business ideas in India:
1. Textile
India is one of the leading exporters of textile and apparel products worldwide, known for its aesthetic prints, high quality textiles and a range of products – formal, casual, athletic, ethnic, etc. Some of the top marketplaces for textile from India include the UK, the USA, Japan, Canada, the UAE, and Singapore. The Government of India has also launched several schemes and Export Promotion Councils like WWEPC, AEPC, and TEXPROCIL to support textile exporters.
2. Footwear
Similar to apparel, even footwear has several segments like formal, casual wear, sports, etc. The established value chain in the country can help you source products at competitive prices and sell them in the international marketplaces without investing a sizable sum in manufacturing and setting up a business.
3. Spices
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices in the world. From turmeric export to cumin and cardamom export, Indian exporters are increasingly selling spices in the international markets like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. You need to analyze the demand for various spices in popular markets and find a product-market fit that works for your business. Post that, you can establish a spice export business in India.
Spices Board of India: Step-by-step guide to register
4. Tea
India is the second-largest producer and one of the top exporters of tea globally5. Various geographical indications (GI tags) are granted to Indian teas like Darjeeling Tea, Kangra Tea, Assam tea, etc. India contributes close to 10% of the world’s tea exports and varieties like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are considered among the best in the world6. Many startups, brands and sellers across the globe have identified the popularity and demand, and have been successfully running a tea export business. Closer home, Bala Sarda started Vahdam Teas with the same passion to serve Indian chai to global customers. “By infusing innovative technology and eliminating unnecessary middlemen from our sourcing process, we want to revolutionize the way the world drinks tea,” the founder of the New Delhi-based brand says.
Tea Board of India: How to register and get a tea export license?
5. Gems and Jewellery
Gems and jewellery are strong contributors to the overall exports from India. Contributing 12% to India’s exports, the gems and jewellery sector has attractive growth opportunities for Indian exporters7. India is known for its artistic creativity in jewellery designs and cuts across the globe. Owing to its rich heritage and culture, the country has a varied range of jewellery types that are popular in the international markets like kundan, copper, silver, gold and ivory, among others. Did you know that India is ranked first in cut and polished diamonds and silver jewellery exports across the globe8? India exports gems and jewellery to popular markets like the US, the UAE, and Singapore, among others. You can select a segment based on the resources available and establish a gem and jewellery export business in India.
All you need to know about Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
6. Leather
With leather being one of the highest growing export industries in India, thousands of sellers from the country are exporting leather products across the world. From Tamil Nadu and Telangana to West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir, leather products are manufactured and exported in huge quantities from across the country9. Finished leather products in footwear, clothing, furniture and accessories are some of the top categories.
Identifying the increasing leather exports, Rajasthan’s Hussain Gurana started ‘A Jaald Store’ – a leather export business from India and made his dreams come true. With chic and compact leather products including hand bags, luggage, satchels and journals, this Indian brand is one of the torchbearers of self-sustenance and strong entrepreneurial spirit. “The growth of A Jaald Store has been phenomenal, and we continue to evolve as a leather brand. We are excited to explore several new markets in many more countries with Amazon Global Selling in the future,” Hussain shares.
Council for Leather Exports: How to register?
7. Sports goods
India has established its presence as one of the leading sports goods exporters in the world. Products like exercise equipment, inflatable balls, equipment for sports like boxing, cricket and tennis are some of the top categories. Toys like board games, educational or soft toys are some of the products that are in demand in international markets. Did you know that India contributes INR 5,000-6,000 crores in global toy exports10?
Sports Goods Export Promotion Council: How to register?
8. Home
India’s handmade handicraft goods are favourite among customers globally. A variety of home products including handicrafts, woodware, metalware, pottery, glassware and kitchen textiles are exported from India. With a strong base in markets like the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and the UAE, Indian exporters can make the most of this demand and establish their export business in home décor.
9. Ayurvedic products
There has been a significant increase in the popularity of Indian Ayurvedic products. In FY23, India exported ayurvedic and herbal goods worth approximately $628 million12.
10. Cosmetic and beauty products
India’s beauty and cosmetics exports have gradually increased in the recent years. India sold cosmetics worth $2.93 billion in 2022, an increase from $2.5 billion in 2021. The fragrances, cosmetics, and men’s grooming categories are anticipated to develop at a CAGR of 12–16%13.