India’s exports have reached an all-time high of USD 863 billion in the financial year 2025-26, despite global trade disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict and the imposition of US tariffs. This was announced by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, during an outreach programme in Ahmedabad.
Resilience Amid Challenges
Speaking at the event titled “12 years of achievements and progress of SEZs of Gujarat and vision of future,” Bhadoo highlighted India’s resilience. “This has been a very difficult year, from US tariffs to West Asia crises, but despite that, we have proved that India is very resilient as far as the export ecosystem is concerned,” he said.
India’s total exports have nearly doubled from approximately USD 441 billion to USD 863 billion over the last decade. Key sectors driving this growth include engineering goods, petroleum products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and chemicals.
Gujarat’s Major Contribution
Gujarat has emerged as a major contributor, accounting for nearly USD 110 billion in exports. Bhadoo noted that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will continue to be promoted in the coming years. “There are sustained efforts to promote new special economic zones in Gujarat and across India. Recently, the government notified an SEZ to be set up by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited in Dholera,” he added.
SEZ Growth and Employment
Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) Zonal Development Commissioner Dnyaneshwar B Patil provided further insights. “SEZs have emerged as key engines of investment, employment, innovation, and exports, playing a vital role in realising the vision of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Exports from Gujarat SEZs have increased from Rs 21,79,808 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 23,00,793 crore in 2025-26, registering nearly 67 per cent growth. Gujarat contributes about 21 per cent of India’s total SEZ exports. Investments in Gujarat SEZs have grown from Rs 21,22,654 crore to Rs 22,28,624 crore, while employment has increased from 63,475 to over 2.22 lakh jobs during the same period.
Semiconductor SEZs in Gujarat
Patil noted that four semiconductor SEZs, including projects by CG Semi Technologies, Kaynes Semicon, Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Micron Technology, have been notified in Gujarat. He also outlined a roadmap for Gujarat’s SEZs, aiming to achieve a year-on-year growth of 20% in exports and 10% in employment generation.
The outreach programme was attended by Gujarat’s Industries Commissioner Swaroop P, senior government officials, and representatives from the trade and industry sectors.
