India Export Business: What Does India Sell the Most?

Ever wondered what India really sells the most to the rest of the world? It’s not just about spicy curries or Bollywood movies. India has a stronghold in a few big export items that shape the country’s spot in global trade. These products bring in billions of dollars every year and keep the country’s economy buzzing.

For entrepreneurs and anyone eyeing opportunities abroad, knowing what India exports isn’t just trivia—it’s business intelligence. There’s a reason Indian goods fill supermarket shelves in the US, Europe, and beyond. If you're thinking about the export business, you’ll want to know what works, where the money is, and who actually buys all that stuff. Spoiler: It’s not always the things you’d expect, and some big surprises have popped up in the last few years.

• India's Top Exports by Value
• Surprising Export Successes
• Major Buying Countries
• Tips for Stepping Into Export Business

India's Top Exports by Value

When you hear about India exports, think big and global. Some products rake in massive money and dominate the country's export charts year after year. Here’s where India really cashes in:

• Petroleum Products: This one often surprises people. Refined petroleum and fuels account for a gigantic chunk of India's export trade. Even though India imports a lot of crude oil, the country refines it and sells it as finished goods worldwide—think diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel.
• Gems and Jewelry: Diamonds (especially cut and polished ones), gold jewelry, and other precious stones find big markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. India’s craftsmanship and access to raw stones make it a leader in this space.
• Pharmaceuticals: If you’ve ever taken generic medicine in another country, there’s a strong chance it came from India. India is one of the largest suppliers of generic drugs and vaccines, with major buyers like the US, UK, and African nations.
• Textiles and Garments: From cotton t-shirts to fancy sarees, India is a textile giant. Textile exports cover everything: garments, home linens, and raw cotton.
• Information Technology Services: Not a physical product, but IT exports make up a huge part of India's export business. Think software solutions, consulting, and back-office services going out to North America and Europe.

Here’s a snapshot of recent top earners, using numbers from 2024 worth remembering:

One thing to keep in mind: trends can shift fast. For example, agri-products like rice, sugar, and spices are climbing up the charts, pushed by demand in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia. If you're eyeing a spot in Indian goods for export, these major categories are your safest bets and biggest playgrounds.

Surprising Export Successes

When people talk about India exports, most folks think of spices, textiles, or maybe tea. But there’s a whole side of the export business in India that barely gets any attention. For example, did you know India is one of the top exporters of generic medicines in the world? Indian pharma companies ship pills to over 200 countries, and it’s a game-changer especially for places where affordable medicine really matters.

Here’s another surprise—engineering goods, especially auto parts and industrial machines. Indian factories are pumping out car parts, pumps, and transformers that end up in German cars and American appliances. In 2024, engineering goods pulled in almost $110 billion in export revenue, outpacing even textiles. Nobody was betting on India turning into a parts powerhouse 20 years ago, but here we are.

And then there’s IT and software services. While not a physical good, these digital exports count big time. Tech giants across the world rely on code written in Bengaluru or Pune. India’s IT services are one of the single biggest contributors to the export economy, adding around $230 billion in receipts last year alone.

Fish and seafood are also quietly making waves. Surprised? In the last few years, shrimp exports especially have shot up. The US and China buy a lot of it. Indian exporters have even stepped up packaging and traceability—a huge deal since health standards are tough overseas.

Here are a few more unexpected Indian goods selling like hotcakes abroad:

• Gems and jewelry: Not just gold, but polished diamonds and cut stones for European and US markets.
• Organic chemicals: Key ingredients for everything from cosmetics to cleaning supplies.
• Yarn and made-ups: Not just cloth, but finished and semi-finished goods that save time for foreign manufacturers.

Check out this quick snapshot of surprising export earners in 2024:

If you thought export trade from India was all about traditional products, it’s time to rethink. The surprises just keep stacking up—and that’s what gives India’s export scene a real edge right now.

Major Buying Countries

When you talk about India exports, a handful of countries show up at the top of the list as regular customers. These nations snap up everything from diamonds to medicines, and even those spicy snack mixes you find at international stores. Knowing who these buyers are can help anyone hoping to launch an Indian goods business abroad.

The United States continues to be India’s biggest client. In 2024, Americans bought over $84 billion worth of Indian products, especially things like IT services, diamonds, and medicines. This isn’t a new trend—American demand for Indian textiles and engineering goods has been strong for years.

UAE is another heavyweight, soaking up everything from jewelry to machinery. The ties between India and UAE go way beyond business; many Indian families live and work there, which helps drive the trade momentum.

Europe isn’t sitting out either. Countries like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands each spend billions on Indian exports. While the UK loves Indian jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and tea, Germany goes big for chemical products and machinery. The Netherlands, surprisingly, buys a ton of refined petroleum and organic chemicals.

Here's a snapshot table with some of the top buyers and their most-loved Indian goods in 2024:

China might surprise you—it imports a lot of organic chemicals, cotton, and seafood from India. Relationships can be a bit up-and-down, but trade never really stops.

If you want to get into export trade, it makes sense to focus on these major buying countries first. They have established systems, high purchasing power, and a steady appetite for Indian products. And if you know what each country prefers to buy, you’re halfway there.

Tips for Stepping Into Export Business

If you’re thinking about joining the export business from India, you don’t need a massive investment to start. But you do need a plan. Here’s what you should know before sending your first shipment out of the country.

• Get your paperwork straight. You’ll need an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT—no exceptions. Without it, you can’t ship a single thing abroad.
• Pick a product wisely. Some of the best-performing India exports are things like refined petroleum, jewelry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. But don’t overlook niche items—Indian spices, organic foods, and handlooms have dedicated buyers worldwide.
• Research your market. You can’t just assume people abroad want your product. Dig into what’s in demand in different countries. The US, UAE, China, and Bangladesh buy most from India—but every country has different rules and tastes.
• Understand logistics. Shipping rates, packaging requirements, and overseas regulations can trip you up if you aren't careful. Always check the best route and shipping partner upfront.
• Get export incentives. The Indian government offers perks for select export goods—reduced taxes, duty credits, and subsidized logistics. Seriously, don’t leave free money on the table.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top export destinations for Indian goods last year:

One more tip: Don’t get caught up in red tape. Join an export promotion council for your industry. They’ll often help with paperwork, contacts, and the nitty-gritty details no blog post ever covers.