India shipped USD 442.71 billion in merchandise exports in 2024 — and that figure is set to grow substantially. The government has set an ambitious target of USD 2 trillion in total exports (goods and services) by 2030, and e-commerce alone is expected to contribute USD 200–300 billion of that through cross-border online trade (Foreign Trade Policy 2023, DGFT). For a first-time entrepreneur, the intersection of India's manufacturing base, its growing digital infrastructure, and its government-backed export ambitions represents a rare business opportunity — one that does not require a factory, and can often be started from a desk.

Trade business in India — whether you are a merchant exporter, a wholesaler supplying domestic retailers, or an e-commerce seller reaching global buyers

...

India shipped USD 442.71 billion in merchandise exports in 2024 — and that figure is set to grow substantially. The government has set an ambitious target of USD 2 trillion in total exports (goods and services) by 2030, and e-commerce alone is expected to contribute USD 200–300 billion of that through cross-border online trade (Foreign Trade Policy 2023, DGFT). For a first-time entrepreneur, the intersection of India's manufacturing base, its growing digital infrastructure, and its government-backed export ambitions represents a rare business opportunity — one that does not require a factory, and can often be started from a desk.

Trade business in India — whether you are a merchant exporter, a wholesaler supplying domestic retailers, or an e-commerce seller reaching global buyers — is being actively enabled by government policy in a way that is unprecedented. This is not coincidental: policymakers recognise that trade-led growth is how India will achieve the Viksit Bharat vision.

At a Glance: Starting a Trade or Export-Import Business in India India Merchandise Exports (CY 2024): USD 442.71 billion (DGCI&S / Ministry of Commerce) India E-commerce Market Size (2024): USD 125 billion, projected USD 550 billion by 2035 (IBEF) E-commerce Export Target (by 2030): USD 200–300 billion (Foreign Trade Policy 2023, DGFT) Minimum Capital to Start Export Business: Rs. 5–15 lakh (direct exporter) to Rs. 50 lakh+ (trading house) Key Trade Hubs: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan Key Licence Required: IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT — mandatory for all exporters and importers

Why India's Trade and Commerce Sector Is the Right Business Destination for Entrepreneurs Today

India's export-import business, e-commerce trade, and wholesale commerce sectors are being simultaneously boosted by digital infrastructure investments, policy liberalisation, and structural shifts in global supply chains — creating a window of opportunity that favours new entrants.

The headline data is compelling: India's share in global merchandise exports rose from 0.6% in the early 1990s to 1.8% in 2024, with merchandise exports worth USD 443 billion (DGCI&S / World Trade Outlook, April 2025). India now ranks 18th globally in merchandise exports and 9th in imports. These rankings will improve further as PLI-driven manufacturing capacity comes online across electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing.

The e-commerce dimension is even more dynamic. India's B2C e-commerce market was valued at USD 83 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 150 billion by 2026 (Economic Survey, January 2025). E-commerce exports stood at USD 4–5 billion in FY23 and are expected to reach USD 200–300 billion by 2030. This 50–60x growth requirement is not a fantasy — it mirrors China's trajectory a decade ago, and India has a larger English-speaking seller base and stronger craft and handloom export heritage.

India's E-commerce Export Opportunity India's e-commerce exports were estimated at USD 4–5 billion in FY23, while the government's target is USD 200–300 billion by FY2030 (Foreign Trade Policy 2023 / Economic Survey). ONDC, the government's open digital commerce network, had over 344.5 million recorded orders and 7.7 lakh registered sellers across 1,100 cities as of November 2025 — a live, government-backed marketplace that new sellers can tap immediately (DPIIT / IBEF, November 2025).

The global supply-chain reorientation away from single-country dependence — what trade analysts call the China+1 strategy — is benefiting Indian manufacturers and traders directly. Buyers in the US, UK, EU, and Southeast Asia are actively seeking Indian suppliers for electronics components, pharmaceuticals, apparel, food, and industrial goods. An Indian merchant exporter who builds relationships with these buyers today enters a supply chain that could sustain business for decades.

The DPIIT's ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is a government initiative that fundamentally changes the economics of domestic trade. By enabling any seller to reach any buyer through an open, interoperable network — bypassing platform monopoly fees — it makes e-commerce accessible for MSMEs and first-time sellers at a fraction of the cost of listing on traditional marketplaces. ONDC had 490+ active Network Participants and 7.7 lakh+ registered sellers as of November 2025 (IBEF / DPIIT data).

For a first-time entrepreneur, the practical business case is: India has goods the world wants, a government that wants you to export them, digital infrastructure that makes selling globally easier than ever, and financial support through CGTMSE, RoDTEP, and export promotion councils. The window is open. The question is which product category and which market to enter.

Market Demand, Growth and Statistical Evidence: India's Trade Landscape

India's trade sector is performing at its strongest level in decades, both in merchandise and services, driven by rising manufacturing output, digital commerce adoption, and new market penetration.

On the merchandise side, India's overall exports reached USD 602.6 billion (merchandise + services) between April and December 2024, reflecting 6% year-on-year growth (Economic Survey, January 2025). India has penetrated new export markets including Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Tanzania, Uganda, Tunisia, Romania, Qatar, and the Philippines — markets where Indian exporters had little or no footprint in 2023. Non-petroleum exports grew by a robust 7.1%.

India Trade & E-commerce Growth — Key Indicators

Indicator	Value	Year / Source
India Merchandise Exports (CY 2024)	USD 442.71 billion	DGCI&S, Ministry of Commerce, 2024
India Merchandise Imports (CY 2024)	USD 718.16 billion	DGCI&S, Ministry of Commerce, 2024
India Services Exports (2024)	USD 374 billion (8th globally)	WTO Trade Outlook, April 2025
India E-commerce Market (2024)	USD 125 billion	IBEF / Statista, 2024
B2C E-commerce Market (2024)	USD 83 billion	Economic Survey, January 2025
E-commerce Market Forecast (2035)	USD 550 billion	IBEF / Statista projection
E-commerce Export Target (FY2030)	USD 200–300 billion	Foreign Trade Policy 2023, DGFT
India Global Merchandise Export Rank (2024)	18th	EXIM Bank / WTO, 2025
Trade Openness (FY 2024-25)	44.59%	DGCI&S Quick View, 2025
India's Global Trade Position in 2024 India ranked 18th in global merchandise exports and 9th in merchandise imports in 2024. India's share in global merchandise exports rose from 0.6% in the early 1990s to 1.8% in 2024, with exports worth USD 443 billion. Services exports reached USD 374 billion, ranking 8th globally — with digitally delivered services accounting for USD 269 billion. (EXIM Bank / WTO Trade Outlook, April 2025; DGCI&S, 2025)

What Government Data Reveals About India's Trade Opportunity

Official trade statistics from the DGCI&S and Ministry of Commerce provide a detailed picture of where India's competitive advantages lie — and where new exporters and traders can plug into real, growing demand.

India's trade openness index stood at 44.59% in FY 2024-25, reflecting deep integration with global markets (DGCI&S Quick View, 2025). India's Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) reports that engineering exports reached USD 116.67 billion in FY25 — a record high — confirming that India is no longer just a commodity exporter but a high-value manufacturing exporter.

On the digital side, the DPIIT-launched ONDC platform delivered over 344.5 million orders across 1,100+ Indian cities with 7.7 lakh+ sellers and 490+ network participants as of November 2025 (IBEF data). Quick commerce is expanding at 70–80% CAGR (IBEF). The D2C (direct-to-consumer) market is projected to cross Rs. 38,865 crore (USD 4.6 billion). These are not projections — they are current, verified government-linked data points.

Government & Department Trade Statistics Table

Indicator	Figure	Source & Year
India Merchandise Exports (CY 2024)	USD 442.71 billion (+2.63% YoY)	DGCI&S, Ministry of Commerce, 2024
India Merchandise Imports (CY 2024)	USD 718.16 billion (+6.6% YoY)	DGCI&S, Ministry of Commerce, 2024
India Services Exports (2024)	USD 374 billion (global rank: 8th)	WTO / EXIM Bank, April 2025
E-commerce Exports (FY23 baseline)	USD 4–5 billion	Economic Survey, January 2025
E-commerce Export Target (FY2030)	USD 200–300 billion	DGFT Foreign Trade Policy 2023
ONDC Registered Sellers (Nov 2025)	7.7 lakh+	DPIIT / IBEF, November 2025
ONDC Network Participants (Nov 2025)	490+	DPIIT / IBEF, November 2025
ONDC Cities Served (Nov 2025)	1,100+	DPIIT / IBEF, November 2025
RoDTEP Scheme Beneficiaries	All merchandise exporters (by product category)	DGFT / Ministry of Commerce, 2024

For a startup trader or merchant exporter, the critical takeaways from government data are: the e-commerce export window is wide open but currently barely utilised (USD 5 billion vs. a USD 200–300 billion target), ONDC provides a zero-platform-fee domestic selling network, and RoDTEP export incentives apply to virtually every product category.

Government Schemes and Support Facilities for Traders and Exporters

India's export and trade promotion ecosystem is among the most comprehensive in Asia, spanning duty remissions, market access support, digital trade facilitation, and MSME credit access.

1. RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products): Launched under the Foreign Trade Policy, RoDTEP remits embedded input taxes on exports across all product categories. It replaced the earlier MEIS scheme and is available to all registered merchandise exporters.

2. Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (FTP 2023) — E-commerce Chapter: FTP 2023 dedicates a chapter to e-commerce exports, enabling the 'International Order Backed Purchase and Sale Model' — which allows sellers to collaborate with global e-commerce marketplaces for export without being formally registered exporters. This is a game-changer for small sellers.

3. DGFT Trade Connect e-Platform: A government digital tool streamlining export documentation and IEC management, making the export process accessible for first-time exporters and MSMEs. A streamlined e-BRC (electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) system reduces export documentation burden.

4. ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce): DPIIT's ONDC platform eliminates commission-based exclusivity of traditional marketplaces, enabling MSMEs and individual sellers to list products at lower transaction costs across hundreds of digital storefronts.

5. CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee for MSMEs): Export-oriented MSMEs can access collateral-free credit up to Rs. 2 crore. Export finance — including pre-shipment and post-shipment credit — is available from commercial banks at preferential interest rates for recognised exporters.

6. Export Promotion Councils (EPCs): India has 26 EPCs covering all product categories — from APEDA for agricultural products to EEPC for engineering goods. These councils provide market intelligence, buyer matchmaking, trade fair participation support, and product registration assistance.

Import and Export Opportunity for Indian Entrepreneurs

India's trade balance reveals both the challenges and the opportunities for a new entrepreneur entering this space.

India's largest export categories include engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, and electronic components — all sectors where MSME and mid-scale manufacturers participate. Non-petroleum and non-gem exports grew 7.1% in FY25 (Economic Survey), confirming that India's real economy exports are expanding.

On the import side, India's top import categories include petroleum products, electronic components, gold, chemicals, and industrial machinery. Import substitution opportunity is significant in electronics, specialty chemicals, and precision engineering components — where PLI schemes are creating new domestic manufacturing capacity.

E-commerce exports represent the most accessible entry point for a first-time trade entrepreneur. India's strength in handcrafted goods, textiles, spices, leather products, gems and jewellery, and indigenous consumer goods creates a natural product base for selling on platforms serving the Indian diaspora and artisan-product consumers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Major Indian Trade and E-Commerce Companies

Company / Platform	Segment / Note
Flipkart (Walmart-backed)	India's largest domestic e-commerce marketplace; seller base of 1.5 million+
Amazon India	Largest cross-border e-commerce platform for Indian exporters; Global Selling programme
Meesho	Social commerce and reseller platform; Tier 2 and 3 city reach; 15 crore+ customers
Nykaa	D2C and marketplace model; beauty and lifestyle; strong brand-seller partnerships
IndiaMART	India's largest B2B e-commerce platform; 7.5 crore+ buyers; 70 lakh+ suppliers
EEPC India / CII	Engineering export promotion; B2B international matchmaking and trade fair support
Blue Dart / Delhivery	Export logistics enablers; crucial for e-commerce and small-parcel trade
Regional wholesale clusters	Surat (textiles), Moradabad (brass), Jaipur (gems/crafts), Tiruppur (garments)

The Growth Horizon: India's Trade Sector to 2035

At an assumed CAGR of 14–15% for e-commerce (reflecting IBEF projections to 2035), India's e-commerce market is on track to reach USD 550 billion by 2035 — from USD 125 billion in 2024. This stated assumption uses the IBEF/Statista 2035 projection as the base and a midpoint CAGR of approximately 14%.

Total merchandise trade will continue expanding as PLI schemes drive manufacturing exports and FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) open new markets. India's FTA with the UAE (CEPA), the UK, the EU, and the GCC region will progressively reduce tariff barriers and open duty-advantaged market access for Indian exporters through 2030 and beyond.

The most significant growth driver through 2035 is the convergence of digital commerce and India's vast manufacturing base. As production quality rises and logistics infrastructure matures, the gap between India's USD 5 billion current e-commerce exports and the USD 200–300 billion target will narrow. Entrepreneurs who build export-ready product lines and distribution today will be positioned to scale as that infrastructure matures.

Practical Caution for First-Time Exporters The most common mistake new exporters make is shipping before confirming payment terms. Always work with Letters of Credit (LC) or advance payment for new international buyers until trust and track record are established. Use the DGFT's IEC (Import Export Code) registration immediately — it costs nothing but unlocks every export support scheme. Register with your relevant Export Promotion Council in the first week: the market intelligence, trade fair invitations, and buyer databases alone justify it.

Practitioner Q&A: Starting an Export-Import or Trade Business in India

Q1: What is the first step to start an export business in India?

The first step is obtaining an IEC — Import Export Code — from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). It is a 10-digit code mandatory for all export-import businesses. The application is online through DGFT's portal, requires a PAN, bank account, and address proof, and is typically issued within 2-3 working days. IEC registration is free of charge. Once you have an IEC, you can legally export or import any permissible good.

Q2: Is e-commerce a viable way to start an export business without a large investment?

Yes — it is increasingly the preferred route for first-time exporters. Platforms like Amazon Global Selling, Etsy, and the emerging DPIIT e-commerce export programme allow Indian sellers to list products globally without a physical export agent or large working capital. The FTP 2023 e-commerce chapter specifically enables small sellers to export under the 'International Order Backed Purchase and Sale Model'. Startup capital for an e-commerce-based export business can be as low as Rs. 2-5 lakh.

Q3: What products have the best export potential for an Indian MSME entrepreneur?

Product categories with strong export demand for Indian MSMEs include: handcrafted textiles and home furnishings (Jaipur, Varanasi, Panipat), processed agricultural products and spices (APEDA category), leather goods (Agra, Kanpur), brass and metal handicrafts (Moradabad), gems and jewellery (Surat, Jaipur), pharmaceutical APIs and formulations, engineering components, and digital services. The key is to select a product category with an established export tradition and a clear Export Promotion Council for guidance.

Q4: What is RoDTEP and how does it benefit a new exporter?

RoDTEP — Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products — is a scheme that remits the embedded cost of taxes and duties not otherwise refunded through ITC (Input Tax Credit). It is credited as a transferable duty credit scrip that you can use against your customs duty obligations or sell in the market. RoDTEP is available to all merchandise exporters who file a Shipping Bill and declare their IEC. It is one of the most universally applicable export support mechanisms.

Q5: How does ONDC benefit a domestic wholesale or retail trade business?

ONDC allows any seller to list on an open, interoperable digital commerce network without paying platform exclusivity fees to a single marketplace. For a wholesale or retail trader, this means reaching buyers across 1,100+ cities through multiple buyer-facing apps (Paytm, PhonePe, Ola, etc.) simultaneously. Transaction costs are lower than traditional e-commerce platforms, and there is no exclusivity requirement. For MSME wholesale traders, ONDC can effectively serve as a cost-efficient digital distribution channel alongside physical trading.

Q6: What is the role of Export Promotion Councils for a new exporter?

EPCs are government-linked industry associations that provide practical support for exporters by sector. They offer market research and buyer databases, trade fair participation subsidies, product registration assistance in foreign markets, and advocacy with DGFT for policy improvements. Every product category has an EPC — APEDA for agricultural products, EEPC for engineering goods, FIEO for general merchandise. Registering with the relevant EPC within the first month of starting your export business is an essential step.

Q7: What is the difference between a merchant exporter and a manufacturer-exporter?

A merchant exporter purchases goods from manufacturers and exports them — without owning a production facility. A manufacturer-exporter produces and exports their own goods. Merchant exporters can start with lower capital and can diversify across multiple product categories. They are eligible for most export support schemes including RoDTEP, CGTMSE credit, and EPC membership. Many successful MSME export businesses begin as merchant exporters before building or commissioning their own manufacturing capacity.

Q8: Which international markets are the most accessible for Indian exporters starting out?

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the most accessible near markets — low shipping costs, cultural familiarity, and existing Indian brand recognition. The UAE and wider Gulf region are the largest markets for Indian goods, with a 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora that prefers Indian products. The UK, US, and Australia are strong markets for premium crafts, textiles, and food products but require higher compliance standards and longer sales cycles. For e-commerce exporters, the US and UK offer the largest addressable markets for artisan and traditional Indian products.

Q9: What are the key risks in the export-import business?

Currency risk — exchange rate fluctuation between invoice and payment — is the primary financial risk. Forward contracts and export credit insurance from ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation) can mitigate this. Buyer default or delayed payment is a real risk, especially for first-time exporters with new buyers. ECGC's credit insurance policies cover buyer default risk. Regulatory risk includes sudden changes in import tariffs in destination countries. Logistics risk — port delays, cargo damage — is managed through marine insurance.

Q10: How do I find genuine international buyers for my products?

The most effective channels are: participation in international trade fairs (India ITME, World Food India, Arab Health — your EPC can subsidise attendance), listing on B2B platforms such as IndiaMART, Trade India, and Alibaba, and the DGFT's Trade Connect e-Platform which connects verified Indian exporters with international buyers. For handicrafts and artisan goods, Etsy and Amazon Handmade have established Indian seller communities. Government-organised buyer-seller meets through FIEO and APEDA are also effective for establishing initial contacts.

Q11: Can I start an import business in India as an MSME?

Yes — an IEC is sufficient to begin importing. Common import business models for MSMEs include: importing raw materials or inputs not available domestically (for your own manufacturing), importing consumer goods for resale where import duty allows a profitable margin, and importing equipment or technology for business use. Import businesses need to understand applicable Basic Customs Duty, IGST, and CESS structures for their product category before committing to sourcing. A customs clearing agent is essential for a first-time importer.

The Bottom Line

India's trade and commerce opportunity is larger, more accessible, and better supported than at any point in the country's history — and the window for new entrepreneurs to enter and scale is wide open.

The single strongest reason to enter today is the convergence of India's manufacturing scale and its digital infrastructure. India is the world's second-largest internet user base, has 1 lakh+ exporters already on e-commerce platforms, and has a government actively pushing to grow e-commerce exports from USD 5 billion to USD 200–300 billion by 2030. The gap between current and target is where your business lives.

Key government support is operational right now: IEC registration is free and instant, ONDC is live and growing, RoDTEP is being credited to active exporters, and CGTMSE provides working capital credit without collateral.

Your most important first steps: register your IEC through the DGFT portal, join your product category's Export Promotion Council, and explore ONDC for domestic digital trade expansion. If you are targeting e-commerce exports, contact Amazon Global Selling or APEDA (for agricultural products) to understand the category-specific onboarding process. Begin with one product and one target market — master that combination before expanding. Every successful export house started with a single buyer and a single shipment.

References

• DGCI&S (Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics), Ministry of Commerce & Industry — India merchandise export and import figures, CY 2024
• Ministry of Finance, Government of India — Economic Survey 2024-25, January 2025 (e-commerce market data, export projections)
• DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), Ministry of Commerce — Foreign Trade Policy 2023, IEC registration framework, RoDTEP scheme guidelines
• DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), Government of India — ONDC platform statistics (November 2025), FDI norms for e-commerce
• EXIM Bank India and WTO — India's Share in Global Merchandise Exports and Services, Trade Outlook April 2025
• IBEF (India Brand Equity Foundation) — E-commerce industry data, ONDC statistics, D2C market projections (November 2025)