State Retains Top Position Among India’s Exporting States in FY 2025-26

State accounts for more than a quarter of India’s exports despite global trade pressures and softer commodity prices

Gujarat remained India’s largest exporting state in 2025-26, maintaining its lead in the national export landscape despite a decline in export values during the fiscal year. Data released by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) showed the state contributed more than one-fourth of the country’s total exports.

The state recorded exports worth $110.63 billion during the fiscal year, representing 25.6% of India’s total exports. Gujarat continued to rank ahead of Maharashtra, which held the second position with exports of $70 billion and a 16.2% share of the national export basket.

Export Performance Amid Global Headwinds

While Gujarat retained its leading position, export values declined 4.9% year-on-year compared to 2024-25. Trade officials attributed the decrease primarily to tariff-related challenges in major international markets and lower prices of key export commodities.

Officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade noted that stable crude oil prices and continued weakness in natural diamond prices affected the overall export value of sectors that make up a significant portion of Gujarat’s export profile.

DGFT Highlights Structural Strengths

Dr Rahul Singh, joint director Directorate General of Foreign Trade, said Gujarat’s continued leadership reflects long-term advantages.

“Gujarat has been at the top in the ranking of major exporting states. It has entrepreneurship, good infrastructure, proactive policies and port connectivity, which have played a key role in establishing it as a global supplier,” Singh said.

Industry experts noted that petroleum and petrochemical products continued to play a central role in the state’s export performance.

Jamnagar remained Gujarat’s largest exporting district, followed by Ahmedabad, Surat and Kutch, highlighting the importance of refining, manufacturing and port-based logistics systems.

Diverse Export Basket Supports Growth

Apart from petroleum products, Gujarat’s exports include pearls and semi-precious stones, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, ceramics, agrochemicals, and iron and steel products.

Sudhanshu Mehta, secretary of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said the state’s refining infrastructure remains a critical driver of exports.

“Refineries like Reliance’s in Jamnagar along with Nayara Energy and IOC’s Koyali plant play a major role,” he said.

Mehta added that investments in petrochemical hubs at Dahej and Vadodara have helped create a strong downstream manufacturing base.

“Beyond refining, Gujarat developed petrochemical hubs in Dahej and Vadodara, which catalysed the growth of downstream industries,” he said.

According to Mehta, the expansion of these industrial ecosystems has enabled Gujarat to diversify its export portfolio and strengthen its presence in international markets.

“As a result, the Gujarat now leads in exports of chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals to markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East,” Mehta said.

Tariff Challenges Affect Exporters

Industry leaders pointed to a mixed global environment during the year. Manish Kiri, chairman and managing director of a chemical company, said tariff barriers created challenges for exporters, particularly in the United States.

“US tariffs affected exports in 2025-26 but weak rupee increased competitiveness in the international markets,” he said.