Top 5 Export And Import Business Ideas for 2025 In India
Import and export is an excellent way in which businesses can tap into the global market instead of relying on a single economy. It increases the chances of profit while opening doors to diverse customer demographics. Owing to these, an update by UN Trade and Development, global trade hit an all time high of $33 trillion in 2024 attributed to 7% rise in trade activities in the previous year. Thus, 2025 is a ripe year to consider an import and export business to be able to increase the chances of capital gains.
However, to become a market leader, you need to consider factors like customer niche, logistics, product sourcing, regulatory compliance, and political stability of the country. Further, providing high-quality products at affordable rates is a critical factor. Importing globally from India particularly plays a key role here since businesses can purchase a diverse range of goods infused with tradition, culture, and heritage. Plus, in the US presidential oath, it has been said that the US will charge a whopping 60% of duty on Chinese goods which increases the chances of Indian agro and pharma products in capturing a major export share in the US.
So, if you are looking to start an import export business from India or based out of India anytime soon, below are the products you can consider.
Pharmaceutical Products
More than 60% of the world’s vaccines are produced in India alone, which also accounts for 20% of global supply volume.This country is 14th in terms of value worldwide and third globally in terms of volume. India majorly exports drug formulations & biologicals and these products contribute to about 75% of the total pharmaceutical exports out of India. No wonder, India is called the “Pharmacy of the World”.
Leather Products
Since leather production has existed as one of India’s earliest businesses, the industry boasts of both skilled professionals and modern technology. It has 3 main leather sectors: tanning, footwear, and leather goods and accessories. The nation provides one eighth of all leather items manufactured worldwide.
The footwear sector accounts for maximum India’s exports with sales totaling US$ 1,152.27 million during April-June 2024-25.
Agriculture
Agriculture forms a major part of India’s global standing among leading farming nations and is the main source of income for 40% of the population working in this sector. It is the second-largest producer of fruit, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar. In fact, Inc42 states that the Indian agricultural sector is likely to reach US$ 24 billion by 2025. So, it is a good idea to consider the country for sourcing products and expanding your business possibilities.
Indian Handicrafts
The nation creates multiple handcrafted products including woodware, metal art ,wood finish handprints embroidery, zari jewelry, sculptures, pottery, glassware, scents , and incense sticks to name a few. With 744 clusters hosting 212,000 artisans who produce over 35,000 products. Major handicraft clusters exist in Surat, Bareilly, Varanasi, Agra, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chennai, and Mumbai.The sector works well because it needs small investments while creating big added value for export.
The IMARC Group expects that over the next decade the Indian handicrafts industry will expand by 6.9% a year. Sales in 2023 reached US$ 4,277.5 million but are expected to grow to US$ 7,817.8 million by 2032.
Textile
India’s textile industry has operated as the nation’s oldest economic sector for many centuries. It stands out due to the extensive production of various types of yarn and fiber including natural materials like cotton, jute, silk and wool along with synthetic materials like polyester, viscose, nylon and acrylic. Indian textile and clothing markets will expand at an average 10% rate to reach $350 billion in business by 2030.
India stands as the third largest exporter of global textiles and apparel products and is among the top five nations that exports internationally. The textile sector in India expects further exponential growth and might hit $ 65 billion by FY26. Altogether, it is a ripe economy to consider partnering with for import and export businesses.
Conclusion
Businesses see big opportunities offered by the top 5 export and import business options in India. Partnerships with procurement firms help companies discover great products from brand-new market sectors at Indian rates and extensive manufacturing capacity. Businesses use these options to upgrade their supply chain networks and save money plus stay ahead globally. These services help businesses stay ahead by taking advantage of India’s growing export and import market advantages.
