Author: Aarya Shah | EQMint
New Delhi, September 30, 2025 — When conversations around India’s exports arise, the focus often gravitates towards metropolitan hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru. However, a closer look at official data reveals a different story: India’s export engine is powered not just by its big cities but by a diverse group of districts spread across the country.
According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce, certain districts — many of which may not immediately come to mind as trade centers — are contributing enormously to India’s overall export tally. From petroleum exports in Jamnagar to textiles in Surat, and from automotive parts in Pune to electronics in Gautam Buddha Nagar, these districts are shaping India’s global trade footprint.
Gujarat: The Undisputed Export Powerhouse
Leading the chart is Jamnagar in Gujarat, which alone accounted for exports worth an impressive ₹3.96 lakh crore. Known globally as a hub for petroleum refining, Jamnagar’s dominance is a result of the presence of some of the world’s largest oil refineries. The scale of operations in this district places it far ahead of others in terms of export contribution.
Adding to Gujarat’s strength are Surat (₹0.86 lakh crore), famous for diamonds and textiles, Bharuch (₹0.70 lakh crore), and Kachchh (₹0.80 lakh crore). Together with Ahmedabad (₹0.68 lakh crore), these districts establish Gujarat as India’s leading export state, cementing its reputation as a diversified export hub. With five districts in the top ten list, Gujarat’s contribution to India’s trade highlights both industrial depth and regional specialization.
Maharashtra’s Strong Showing
Maharashtra, India’s financial capital, makes a strong presence on the list with multiple districts. Mumbai accounted for exports worth ₹0.91 lakh crore, driven by a mix of gems and jewelry, chemicals, and engineering goods. Pune (₹0.89 lakh crore), often dubbed the “Detroit of India,” has been a key driver in automotive and machinery exports. Meanwhile, Mumbai Suburban (₹0.80 lakh crore) adds to the state’s diversified export profile, with strong contributions from technology, services, and manufactured goods.
This multi-district performance underscores Maharashtra’s position as a central node in India’s export supply chains.
Southern Strength: Kanchipuram Leads Tamil Nadu
From the south, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu stood out with exports worth ₹1.14 lakh crore. Known for its thriving automobile and electronics manufacturing clusters, the district has become a hotspot for global brands setting up supply chains. This growth builds on Tamil Nadu’s long-standing reputation as an industrial hub and highlights the role of specialized districts in catering to international markets.
Northern Representation: Gautam Buddha Nagar
The north also has its share of export powerhouses, with Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh recording exports worth ₹0.68 lakh crore. As home to Noida’s electronics and IT manufacturing ecosystem, the district has emerged as a key supplier of mobile phones, electronics, and IT services to global markets. This reflects India’s rise in high-value manufacturing, moving beyond traditional export categories like textiles and agriculture.
Exports: The District-Led Story
Taken together, these districts demonstrate that India’s exports are not concentrated in just a few large cities but are instead spread across regions with specialized strengths. Whether it is petroleum from Gujarat, diamonds from Surat, cars from Pune, electronics from Noida, or textiles from Tamil Nadu, the diversity of India’s export basket underscores the country’s economic resilience.
What is particularly noteworthy is the shift towards value-added and technology-intensive exports. While traditional categories like petroleum and diamonds remain dominant, districts like Gautam Buddha Nagar are showing how India is moving up the value chain with electronics and advanced manufacturing.
Why District-Level Exports Matter
The rise of district-level export champions is also significant from a policy perspective. It aligns with the government’s Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, which aims to unlock the untapped potential of India’s hinterlands by providing targeted support in infrastructure, logistics, and market access. By identifying and strengthening these local clusters, policymakers hope to diversify India’s exports and reduce over-dependence on a few metropolitan centers.
Moreover, the growth of export-oriented districts means more jobs and economic development at the grassroots level. It ensures that trade-driven prosperity spreads beyond metros, empowering local communities while strengthening India’s overall trade competitiveness.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the numbers are encouraging, challenges remain. Infrastructure bottlenecks, high logistics costs, and compliance requirements can hinder the growth potential of smaller districts. For India to sustain its export momentum, investments in port connectivity, freight corridors, and digital trade facilitation will be crucial.
At the same time, the opportunities are immense. With global supply chains realigning and India increasingly seen as a credible alternative manufacturing base, the country’s export-oriented districts are well-positioned to capture new markets. By boosting both traditional strengths and emerging sectors, India could significantly increase its share of global exports in the coming decade.
Looking Ahead
The story of India’s top exporting districts is a reminder that trade is no longer just the domain of big cities. From Gujarat’s dominance to Maharashtra’s industrial might and Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing strength, India’s districts are quietly powering the nation’s rise as a global export player.
As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and industry, and as private players expand capacity, these districts are likely to play an even more pivotal role. The future of India’s exports is local, specialized, and deeply rooted in district-level strengths.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.
