Top 5 export products from India in 2026: A guide for Indian exporters

India is solidly positioned as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, with S&P Global forecasting GDP growth of 6.5% in 2026¹. This robust economic trajectory means India's export sector is poised to be one of the main engines of growth in the coming years. By moving beyond conventional trade and embracing high-value manufacturing, Indian exporters have a clear path to global expansion.

This dynamic growth environment makes a strategic shift mandatory: Indian exporters must prioritize diversifying their export portfolios and aggressively targeting new markets. This forward momentum is strongly supported by Indian government initiatives, high global demand, and new strategic trade agreements, particularly those forged with major partners like the US. To help you capitalize on this momentum, this guide introduces the top five trending and export-ready product categories from India, along with the key emerging markets Indian exporters should target in 2026.

Trending export categories and new markets for India

India's export landscape is evolving, moving strategically beyond traditional goods to include high-value, technology-driven, and specialized products that meet global demand. While established markets like the USA and Europe remain crucial for high-volume trade, Indian exporters are increasingly looking towards emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa. This strategic diversification is being fueled by new trade agreements that unlock significant opportunities, making 2026 a pivotal year for scaling exports.

The following products represent key opportunities for Indian exporters in 2026, combining strong domestic production with high international demand.

1. Mobile phones and electronics

India’s electronics production is undergoing a massive transformation, rapidly moving toward a value of $300 billion by 2026², positioning this sector as a cornerstone of the "Make in India" initiative. Mobile phones are the single largest component driving this growth, with more than 325 to 330 million mobile phones manufactured annually within the country³. This output is heavily supported by the government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme⁴.

The core of this sector lies in high-demand export products like smartphones, chargers, solar modules, and telecom equipment. With the global consumer electronics market set to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030⁵, immense opportunities are created for Indian manufacturers to leverage government support like the PLI scheme and establish themselves as reliable global sourcing hubs. Prime targets for this expansion are key emerging markets in Southeast Asia (15% YOY growth 2023-2024)⁶ and Latin America (10% YOY growth 2023-2024)⁷. Smartphone shipments to these regions are soaring, driven by lower current penetration rates, the rapid expansion of the middle class, and increasingly younger, tech-savvy populations eager for affordable technology.

2.Pharmaceuticals and generic medicines

India’s pharmaceutical industry is a global powerhouse, securing its position as the world's third-largest producer by volume. This immense scale translates directly into global impact: the country supplies one in five generic drugs sold worldwide, fulfilling approximately 20% of global generics demand⁸. This essential contribution is even more pronounced in key regions, covering a staggering 50% of Africa's generics⁹ and 40% of US generics¹⁰.

Looking ahead, the sector is poised for continued expansion. With top export products like generic drugs, bulk drugs, and essential surgical goods, the pharmaceutical sector itself is projected to contribute to a global growth outlook of 6.12% CAGR from 2025 to 2030¹¹ — a sustained growth driven by an increasing number of patients receiving treatment, particularly in high-growth therapeutic areas like immunology, endocrinology, and oncology. Therefore, exporters should strategically focus on key emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia, where medicine use is forecasted to grow faster than in other regions through 2028¹².

3. Textiles and apparel

India's legacy in textiles is a powerful competitive advantage. Leveraging its rich heritage, diverse fabrics, and skilled craftsmanship, the nation was the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world in 2023¹³, securing a notable 3.9% share of the global trade¹⁴. This historical strength is perfectly positioned for the future, as the global textile market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $1.61 trillion by 2033 with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025¹⁵.

The global opportunity is being amplified by the rising middle class in key emerging markets across the Middle East and Asia, including China, the UAE, and Kuwait. This rapidly expanding consumer base is driving a substantial spike in retail demand for Indian goods. This trend allows Indian manufacturers to directly leverage their cost-effective production and deep expertise to capture this growing international business, translating into significant export growth for products like readymade garments, exquisite silk products, cotton textiles, and hand-woven carpets.

4. Agricultural products and spices

India’s agricultural sector offers vast export potential, rooted in its tradition as the "Spice Capital of the World," cultivating over 60 of the 109 spices recognized globally¹⁶. This natural dominance perfectly aligns with a crucial global trend: the demand for Indian spices is rising alongside the overall global seasoning and spices market, which is projected to reach $34.31 billion by 2030¹⁷. A major driver of this expansion is the consumer shift toward sustainability, prompting a demand surge—over 12% annually—for organic spices¹⁸, which India is actively addressing by expanding its organic certifications. This momentum is part of a larger success story, as India’s farm exports are poised to cross $55 billion in 2025-26¹⁹.

Exporters have immense opportunities with top products like Basmati and non-Basmati rice, a wide variety of spices like turmeric and cardamom, and organic foods, not only by meeting existing demand but by establishing India as the benchmark for quality and ethical sourcing. Furthermore, there's a strategic need to target underserved markets; for instance, African countries like Nigeria are among the world’s biggest consumers of spices²⁰, offering an excellent opportunity to expand India’s current presence and market share there.

5. Gems and jewelry

The gems and jewelry sector benefits profoundly from India's long-standing tradition of skilled craftsmanship, making the nation a pivotal player in the global market. This valuable sector accounts for around 7% of India's GDP²¹, with gross exports standing at an impressive $25.73 billion in FY25 (up to February 2025)²². The global demand for these products is robust, with the jewelry market projected to reach $578.45 billion by 2033²³. Key export products, including handmade gold jewelry, diamond-studded pieces, and intricate silver artifacts, are most sought after in the fastest-growing regions: the Middle East and Africa, which are projected to register a 7.19% CAGR to 2030²⁴.

Because of the high-value nature of these items, realizing their profitable potential requires reliable, specialized shipping solutions. DHL Express provides crucial support for this sector, offering international courier services with essential features like enhanced security, dedicated handling and monitoring, and comprehensive insurance coverage, all while navigating specific destination country customs value limits and restrictions²⁵.

A reliable partner to take advantage of global export opportunities

The global market presents Indian exporters with exciting, unprecedented opportunities fueled by rising domestic production and strategic trade alignments. Capitalizing on these high-growth product trends and successfully navigating new international markets requires more than ambition—it demands the best logistics partner you can fully trust. DHL Express provides the essential support to transform complex trade into a clear competitive advantage. We offer fast, secure, and seamless international shipping with end-to-end support for customs clearance, documentation, and compliance, ensuring your export items move efficiently from India to the world.

Ready to scale your operations and capitalize on these export trends? Create a DHL Express business account today to start exporting with confidence.

Frequently asked questions about the top export products from India