How To Choose The Right Product To Export From India
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Sep 17
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 2
If you are planning to start an export business in India, the first and probably the most important question that comes to mind is: what product should I export?
Choosing the right product to export depends on many factors such as using the right platforms, appropriate product category, checking the profitability, sourcing feasibility, certifications needed and more.
Picking the right product is like choosing the right seed to plant. A good seed grows into a healthy, fruitful tree, while a weak seed will waste your time, money, and energy.
In this blog, we are going to break down the process step by step, in the simplest way possible. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to select the best product for your export journey.
We will cover:
Important Platforms to Research Export Products
Before you choose what to export, you need to know where to research. Luckily, today we have many free and paid platforms that make it easy to gather data about international trade trends.
DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
The official government website where you check if an item is allowed, restricted, or banned for export. For example, if you want to export leather, you can quickly check DGFT to see if it is permitted.
Export Import Data Bank
This database shows how much India exports a particular product, which countries buy it, and the demand over the years. For instance, if you are thinking about turmeric, you can see exactly how much turmeric India exported last year and which markets bought the most.
Trade Map (ITC)
This website gives trade data for 220 countries. You can compare which countries are importing an item—say, Indian mangoes—and which competitors are already dominating the business.
APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Export Authority)
A must for food and agricultural exporters. It helps you with certifications like Global GAP, gives buyer lists, and shares schemes and market reports.
FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations)
Helps connect you directly to overseas buyers through trade fairs, exhibitions, and business matchmaking services.
Private platforms (Amazon Global, Alibaba, etc.)
Perfect if you want to test demand for consumer products like handicrafts or organic tea through online selling. Here, customer reviews on similar products can give you fresh insights.
Think of these platforms as your "treasure maps." Without them, you would go blind into the global marketplace. With them, you can find demand, check competition, and avoid expensive mistakes.
Choosing the Right Product Category For Export
India produces thousands of items, so it’s like standing in a giant supermarket where almost everything looks interesting. But you cannot fill your shopping basket randomly. You need to choose the right category based on demand, investment, and your strengths. Let’s look at India’s major export categories one by one.
1. Agricultural Products
Food is a necessity everywhere. India is rich in agriculture, and many Indian farmers already supply products worldwide.
Examples:
Rice and wheat (Middle East, Africa)
Mangoes, bananas, grapes (Europe, Gulf countries)
Spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom (USA, Europe)
Why it’s good: Agricultural products have continuous demand. However, they also require strong supply chains because these products are perishable. You need excellent packaging and a cold-storage-linked transport system, especially for fruits and vegetables.
Example: If you live in Maharashtra, exporting bananas is an easier option than tea because Maharashtra is a hub for banana growing.
2. Textiles and Apparel
India is the world’s textile hub. From cotton yarn, silk garments, and handloom saris to modern fast fashion garments, India exports a variety of textile products.
Challenges: Fashion changes quickly. A T-shirt style that sells today might not be in demand next year. Exporters in textiles must stay alert to seasonal trends.
Example: If you decide to export cotton shirts, you will need to consider size variations, label requirements, and seasonal demand in the countries you target.
3. Engineering Goods
This is India’s largest export sector. It includes everything from industrial machinery, copper and aluminium products, auto components, to railway equipment.
Advantage: High global demand and stable growth.
Challenge: Requires bigger capital and technical knowledge.
Example: Auto spare parts are heavily imported in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. If you have access to automotive manufacturers, this can be a profitable niche.
4. Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
India is called the “pharmacy of the world.” Countries rely heavily on India for generic drugs and vaccines.
Warning: Very strong regulations. You can’t simply export medicines without proper certifications and approvals.
Example: Many startups in Gujarat and Hyderabad have grown into global exporters by focusing on APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
5. Handicrafts and Lifestyle Items
India’s cultural diversity creates beautiful artisanal products. Carpets, wooden toys, jewellery, brassware, and home décor items always find markets in the US, UAE, and Europe.
Advantages: Lower starting capital, uniqueness, and growing online demand.
Challenge: Logistics cost is higher for bulky products.
Example: An exporter from Rajasthan can easily sell block-printed bedsheets to Europe through Amazon Global Selling.
6. Minerals and Metals
India exports iron ore, granite, steel, aluminium, and copper. These are bulk exports and need heavy finances and strong buyer connections.
Who should go for it: Large-scale businesses that can handle bulk shipping.
Profitability and Cost Considerations
After you shortlist some products, the next step is to calculate whether they will give you a profit. Exporting is not only about selling, but also about covering your costs smartly.
1. Production Cost
You must calculate how much it costs to produce or buy the product. This includes raw materials, labour, machinery, and energy bills. If you are sourcing from farmers or manufacturers, you should calculate the purchase cost.
2. Packaging Cost
Export products need special packaging to survive long journeys. For example, bananas need ventilated boxes, and glass items need bubble wraps and hard cartons. Packaging costs should never be ignored as they add to the final price.
3. Logistics and Shipping
Shipping costs depend on whether you are exporting by sea or air. Air freight is faster but more expensive. Sea freight is cheaper but slower. You must also add loading, unloading, and warehousing charges to your calculations.
4. Customs Duties and Taxes
Each product has a different HS code that determines the tax rates. Some products have export duties, while others enjoy tax benefits. Knowing these rates is important before fixing your selling price.
5. Profit Margin
Once you calculate all costs, you should add your profit margin. A good export product should give at least a 10–25 per cent profit margin after covering all expenses. If the margin is too low, the product is not suitable.
Studying Competition and HS Codes
Every export business has competitors. To succeed, you must know who they are and what gaps you can fill.
Many first-time exporters fail because they ignore competition.
Think of the market like a cricket match. If 30 players are batting at the same time, your chance of scoring is low. But if you find a game where only 3 players are competing, your chances improve.
Let’s explain.
1. Competitor Analysis
Check how many exporters are selling the same product. If too many exporters are already selling it, your chances of getting orders reduce unless you offer better quality or price. For example, rice has a huge number of exporters, but you can still succeed if you export organic rice to a niche market.
2. HS Code Study
HS codes are 6- to 8-digit numbers that classify products in international trade. By studying HS codes, you can check export volume, tax rates, and the number of exporters for each product. This helps in making better product choices.
3. Market Gaps
Sometimes, demand exists for a product but exporters are not fulfilling it. For example, mushrooms are in high demand in countries like the US and UAE, but not many Indian exporters are active in this category. Identifying such gaps gives you an advantage.
Resources Available at Your Disposal
Choosing a product also depends on what resources you have. If you choose a product without checking your resources, you may face challenges later.
1. Sourcing Capability
Do you have easy access to suppliers or manufacturers of the product? For example, if you live in Maharashtra, sourcing bananas is easier than sourcing tea. Choosing products close to your sourcing location reduces cost.
2. Networking Strength
In exports, connections with farmers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and agents are crucial. If you have a strong network, you can handle bigger orders without stress. Weak networks may delay deliveries and spoil your reputation.
3. Order Handling Capacity
If a buyer asks for 10,000 units, can you handle the order? You must evaluate your financial strength, storage facilities, and workforce before committing. Small exporters can start with small orders but should plan to scale.
4. Knowledge and Expertise
Choose a product category where you understand the basics. If you know nothing about chemicals, it will be difficult to explain them to buyers. Your product knowledge builds trust with customers.
Certifications and Regulations
Every export product requires following rules. Some need certifications, and others may have restrictions.
1. Certifications
Food products may need certifications like FSSAI, HACCP, or Global GAP. Pharmaceuticals require approvals from WHO or FDA. Without certifications, buyers will not trust your product.
2. Quality Standards
Export markets like Europe and the US are very strict about quality. If your product does not match their standards, it will be rejected at customs. Following ISO standards helps in building global trust.
3. Bans and Restrictions
Some products are restricted or banned. For example, exporting certain animal skins or wildlife products is banned under Indian law. DGFT publishes regular updates about restricted products, so always check before investing.
4. Packaging Regulations
Some countries have packaging rules. For example, wood packaging must be treated and certified to prevent pests. Ignoring these rules can result in penalties.
India’s Trade Relations and Import Markets
India’s trade relations with other countries play a big role in deciding which products will sell easily.
1. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
India has trade agreements with many countries that reduce taxes and duties. Exporting to such countries is more profitable because you save on costs.
2. Top Importer Countries
After you shortlist a product, check which countries are the biggest importers of it. For example, the Middle East imports huge amounts of rice and bananas, while the US imports textiles, handicrafts, and chemicals. Choosing a product with stable buyers ensures steady demand.
3. Market Entry Strategy
Don’t just send your product anywhere. Study demand and taste preferences. For example, packaging design for a product in the UAE might need Arabic translations, while in Europe it may need eco-friendly packaging.
Conclusion
Choosing the right product to export from India is not about luck. It is about research, planning, and smart decisions.
By using the right platforms, understanding product categories, and carefully studying costs, you can make a better choice.
Looking at the competition, checking resources at your own disposal, and knowing the certifications required can help you avoid mistakes.
India’s trade relations and growing demand for certain products also give exporters many chances to succeed.
If you break the process into steps and follow them carefully, you can find a product that is both profitable and sustainable.
Whether it is bananas, spices, textiles, or PVC pipes, the opportunity is there. The key is to start with the right information, stay patient, and build your export business with confidence.
Contact us at Ashadhan EXIM Pvt Ltd, today to source or export the right products for your business and grow globally with trusted expertise.
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