Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called on Indian exporters to identify sector-specific export opportunities, diversify markets and products, and adopt data-driven strategies to strengthen the country’s global trade competitiveness.
Addressing representatives of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and industry chambers during a review of the country’s export performance, Goyal highlighted the need for closer coordination among EPCs, industry associations, state governments and the field formations of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
The minister noted that the global trade environment is undergoing rapid changes due to geopolitical uncertainties, shifting tariff structures, supply chain realignments and evolving regulatory requirements in major international markets. While these developments present challenges, they also offer opportunities for India to emerge as a reliable and competitive global trading partner.
Goyal urged EPCs to engage proactively with their international counterparts, identify potential buyers and facilitate business partnerships across established and emerging markets. He also called for sector-specific assessments of export opportunities and greater awareness among exporters about trade preferences, international standards and market-entry requirements.
Focus on market diversification and trade intelligence
The minister emphasised the importance of identifying products with untapped export potential and exploring new destinations in response to changing global demand and emerging supply chain opportunities.
He also called for a more outcome-oriented approach to export promotion, supported by timely market intelligence, monitoring of international trade trends and closer coordination with exporters to resolve operational bottlenecks.
According to industry officials, Goyal encouraged exporters to make greater use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), expand their participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and plan their engagement in such events three to five years in advance.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were also urged to increase their presence at global trade fairs and exhibitions and make greater use of funding available under the ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
The mission’s Market Access Support programme provides targeted financial assistance for market-development activities, including participation in international exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meets, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets and focused trade delegations.
FTAs offer opportunities for Indian exporters
India has implemented trade agreements with several partners and blocs in recent years, including Australia, Mauritius, the UAE, Oman, the United Kingdom, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc and New Zealand.
These agreements offer preferential market access for Indian goods, with zero-duty access available for many products, subject to the applicable agreements, product coverage and rules of origin.
Participation in international trade fairs can help Indian companies connect with overseas buyers, identify new markets, establish business relationships and secure export orders. Such events also provide insights into global demand, pricing, quality standards and emerging product trends, helping exporters improve their competitiveness and integrate into international supply chains.
Merchandise exports rise 18.51% in April-September
India’s merchandise exports increased 18.51% year-on-year to USD 259.89 billion during April-September of FY2026-27, while merchandise imports rose 16.31% to USD 437.53 billion.
The merchandise trade deficit widened to USD 177.64 billion during the first half of the fiscal year, compared with USD 156.88 billion in the corresponding period of FY2025-26.
Meanwhile, estimated services exports increased to USD 216.31 billion during April-September 2026-27, up from USD 199.02 billion a year earlier.
Combined exports of goods and services are estimated at USD 476.2 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year. India recorded total exports of USD 863 billion in FY2025-26, and the Commerce Ministry has set a target of USD 1 trillion in combined goods and services exports for FY2026-27.
The government’s renewed emphasis on market diversification, trade intelligence, FTA utilisation and international market access is aimed at helping Indian exporters capture emerging opportunities and sustain export growth amid an evolving global trade landscape.