Navigate peak season shipping: Top markets for India’s exports

India has a rich and extensive history of trade, dating back centuries to when it was a vital part of ancient trade routes. Known for its diverse range of exports, India has established itself as a key player in global trade, supplying goods such as petroleum products, gemstones, pharmaceuticals, and machinery worldwide. These exports have also contributed significantly to India's GDP.

The current state of India’s export market

As of July 2024, the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) reported that India’s export performance reached a notable figure of US$33.9 billion. This amount reflects the breadth of India’s export portfolio and its ability to meet global demand across various sectors, from energy and raw materials to technology and services. While the country faces global economic fluctuations, its export base remains resilient, driven by strong international demand and strategic trade partnerships.

What are the top 10 countries to which India exports?

India’s export markets are diverse, with countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East forming the bulk of its export destinations. During peak seasons, such as the holiday season in the latter part of the year, export volumes to these countries typically surge due to increased consumer demand.

1. United States

The USA remains India's largest export market, accounting for approximately 10% of India's total exports. Key export categories include pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles, which significantly meet US consumer and industrial demand. Despite a slight decline in exports due to the ongoing global economic slowdown, India’s trade relationship with the US remains robust. 

According to the Economic Times, India is actively working to strengthen bilateral trade ties with the US, with both countries exploring new avenues for collaboration. These efforts are expected to drive growth in exports in the coming years. Holiday season and Q4 sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, drive a significant increase in demand for consumer goods, boosting India’s exports of electronics and textiles to the US.

2. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a vital market for India. It plays a key role as a central re-export hub, facilitating the redistribution of goods across the Middle East and beyond. India’s exports to the UAE are diverse, with essential products including petroleum products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems, and jewelry. This robust trade relationship has been significantly enhanced by the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect on May 1, 2022.

CEPA has been instrumental in creating an open and non-discriminatory environment for cross-border trade, helping to reduce or eliminate tariffs on more than 80% of Indian export products. This free trade agreement has also simplified the process for exporters by removing unnecessary technical barriers, making it easier for Indian businesses to penetrate the UAE market. With streamlined customs procedures and greater market access, CEPA bolsters bilateral trade. It presents lucrative opportunities for Indian exporters looking to expand their footprint in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

During peak seasons, particularly around holidays like Eid and Diwali, export volumes to the UAE see a significant increase. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major Muslim holidays celebrated in the UAE, often accompanied by increased consumer spending on gifts, food, and new clothing. Although Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is also widely celebrated in the UAE due to the large Indian expat population. This results in increased demand for festive items, gifts, and traditional Indian goods, driving a surge in imports from India.

Learn more about how to send packages to the UAE.

3. Netherlands

Economic and commercial relations between India and the Netherlands are crucial aspects of Indo-Dutch cooperation, with both countries focusing on collaboration across several key sectors. According to India Briefing, these sectors include water management, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, environment, transport, and logistics. This solid bilateral partnership enhances trade and fosters innovation and sustainable development in both nations.

India's primary exports to the Netherlands include petroleum products, telecommunications instruments, pharmaceuticals, RMG cotton (Ready-Made Garments), and accessories. Given its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, the Netherlands serves as a key European hub for Indian exports, further solidifying the trade relationship between the two countries.

The Netherlands experiences peak seasons for imports, notably during the holiday season leading up to Christmas and Sinterklaas (a traditional Dutch holiday celebrated in December). During this period, consumer demand for gifts, festive items, and winter apparel increases significantly, driving higher import volumes. 

4. China

Since establishing diplomatic ties in the 1950s, India and China have maintained a complex relationship marked by collaboration and competition. Despite occasional geopolitical tensions, China remains one of India's key export markets. According to China Briefing, Indian exports to China grew by 6% in 2023, reflecting trade resilience between the two nations.

India’s primary exports to China include iron ore, chemicals, cotton, and petroleum products, which are critical for China's manufacturing and industrial sectors. While geopolitical challenges persist, the economic interdependence between the two countries continues to drive strong trade relations, with China being a significant destination for India's raw material exports.

China's peak import seasons often align with major Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year (typically in January or February) and Golden Week (a week-long national holiday in October). These holidays are associated with increased consumer spending, travel, and manufacturing activity, leading to a surge in demand for various goods, including raw materials, electronics, and consumer products. Other notable events include popular shopping events like Single’s Day, also known as 11.11, which sees large discounts and surge in e-commerce sales across the board.

5. Germany

Alongside the Netherlands, Germany is one of India's key trading partners within the European Union, with close bilateral trade relations dating back to 2001, as per India Briefing. Although there is no specific free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Germany, negotiations are underway for a broader EU-India trade deal, which could further enhance economic cooperation.

Despite the absence of an FTA, Germany remains a vital trading partner for India. From 2023 to 2024, Indian exports to Germany were valued at US$9.883 million, highlighting the strength of their trade relationship. Leading exports to Germany include automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and electrical products, reflecting the growing demand for Indian goods in the German market.

Similar to the Netherlands, Germany experiences a peak season for imports in the lead-up to Christmas. Consumers increase spending on gifts, decorations, and festive food items, driving higher demand for imports across various sectors. This presents a valuable opportunity for Indian exporters to increase their sales volumes to the German market, particularly in categories like textiles, handicrafts, and specialty food items.

6. United Kingdom

In recent years, India and the United Kingdom have deepened their partnership through enhanced economic and political cooperation. According to the House of Lords Library, the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK Relations is central to this relationship, a strategic framework that outlines vital areas for future collaboration and sets the stage for a potential free trade agreement (FTA). The comprehensive roadmap encompasses over 1,000 activities across five pillars: connecting people and nations, trade and prosperity, defense and security, climate action, and health.

As both countries continue to strengthen their ties, Indian companies have increasingly expanded exports to the UK. According to the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, the country has become a significant market for Indian goods, particularly apparel, refined oil, and pharmaceuticals.

The UK experiences a significant peak season in the lead-up to Christmas, with a surge in consumer spending on gifts, decorations, and festive food items. This period, coupled with events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, drives increased demand for a wide range of products, including apparel, electronics, and home goods. The UK is also home to a significant Indian diaspora, and this population actively participates in the festive season, further boosting demand for items like traditional Indian clothing, food, and decorations. 

7. Singapore

Singapore is India’s largest trade and investment partner within ASEAN, accounting for 27.3% of India’s total trade with the region in 2022, according to the High Commission of India. Singapore also plays a pivotal role in India’s economic landscape as the leading (FDI), contributing 23% of India’s FDI inflows.

The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) further solidified the trade relationship between India and Singapore. This agreement encompasses four key areas of collaboration:

• A free trade agreement in goods
• Provisions to enhance trade in services
• A package to encourage investment flows and provide mutual investment protection
• An agreement to avoid double taxation, reducing the tax burden for businesses operating in both countries.

India’s exports to Singapore primarily consist of petroleum products, engineering goods, gems and jewelry, and electronic instruments. Singapore experiences peak import volumes throughout the year due to its role as a major trading hub and its diverse consumer base. However, the nation’s multicultural population means key periods like Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Christmas often see a surge in consumer spending and gift-giving, leading to increased demand for various products.

8. Hong Kong

According to the Consulate General of India, Hong Kong has been a significant trading partner for India since the 1840s. This long-standing relationship extends across diverse sectors such as investment finance, maritime, shipping, culture, education, and trade. This enduring partnership has facilitated deep economic collaboration between the two regions.

India’s exports to Hong Kong primarily consist of jewelry, iron, steel, and electronic products, making Hong Kong a vital market for Indian goods. Its strategic position as a global financial and trade hub further strengthens the flow of Indian exports to East Asia and beyond.

Similar to Singapore, Hong Kong experiences peak import seasons around major holidays like Chinese New Year and Christmas. These periods are marked by increased consumer spending and gift-giving, resulting in higher demand for a wide range of products, including electronics, jewelry, and luxury goods.

9. Malaysia

India and Malaysia have developed a dynamic and expanding trade partnership driven by strategic economic cooperation and mutual interests. According to the ASEAN Briefing, their bilateral trade has been further strengthened by the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA). The agreement covers various areas, including trade in goods, services, investments, and the movement of natural persons, fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations. This adds to the benefits shared by the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, enhancing two-way trade between India and Malaysia.

India's key exports to Malaysia include petroleum products, electric machinery, and aluminum products, which are vital components of Malaysia’s growing industrial sector. Malaysia, with its diverse cultural landscape, experiences peak import seasons around various holidays celebrated by its different ethnic and religious groups. These include Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr), Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Christmas. During these festive periods, consumer spending increases significantly, driving higher demand for various goods, including food items, electronics, and gifts.

10. Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing and robust trade relationship, strengthened by their geographical proximity and historical ties. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), signed in 1998, has significantly boosted bilateral trade between the two nations. This agreement has facilitated the exchange of goods and services, leading to increased economic cooperation.

Sri Lanka is a significant importer of Indian goods, with key exports including petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and motor vehicles. These products cater to Sri Lanka's growing economy and its rising demand for essential commodities and transportation. Sri Lanka experiences peak import seasons around major holidays celebrated by its diverse population, including Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Christmas, and Diwali. During this time, the demand for Indian goods, particularly for items with cultural significance like traditional clothing, religious artifacts, and festive foods, increases as families in Sri Lanka prepare for celebrations and exchange gifts.

High-demand products for export from India

As global market needs evolve, India continues to adapt by exporting products that align with shifting demand trends. Some of the country’s high-demand products are seeing increasing interest from international markets due to their quality, competitive pricing, and strategic importance in global supply chains. According to Eximpedia, these are the most in-demand products currently driving India's export growth:

• Petroleum products: India is a major exporter of petroleum products and a contributor to the country’s economy. From 2023 to 2024, the country exported many petroleum products globally, including refined petroleum, petroleum gas, and other products.
• Gemstones and jewelry: India is renowned for its gemstones and jewelry exports, making it the country’s top exports. These products are sought after in markets such as the United States, the UAE, and Hong Kong, where Indian craftsmanship and high-quality gemstones continue to dominate global preferences.
• Pharmaceuticals: India is considered a significant player in the global pharmaceutical sector. With expertise in generic drug manufacturing, India supplies various countries with affordable, high-quality medicines.
• Organic Chemicals: The global manufacturing industry heavily relies on organic chemicals, and India is a vital exporter of these essential inputs. Organic chemicals from India are used to produce polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals, making them a crucial worldwide supply network.
• Vehicles and parts: India's automotive industry is another high-growth sector that exports vehicles, auto components, and parts to markets worldwide. It accounts for over 3% of the country’s total exports, significantly contributing to its economy. The vehicles and parts manufacturing sector is driven by a broad network of small and medium-sized firms that produce diverse machinery and mechanical appliances. 

How to meet the demands of export countries during peak season

India’s peak export seasons, typically coinciding with the global holiday season, present both challenges and opportunities for exporters. To meet the rising demands of international markets during these periods, Indian businesses should consider adopting strategic approaches, including:

• Advanced planning: To navigate potential supply chain disruptions, companies should identify ways to identify which products would be in high demand and begin production well in advance. By planning early, companies in India can develop strategies that ensure manufacturing and logistics are aligned with peak-season requirements in the future.
• Supply chain optimization: Leveraging technology, like predictive analytics and real-time tracking, to optimize supply chains can improve inventory management. It can also reduce lead times and ensure products reach global markets efficiently, especially during peak season. 
• Collaborating with reliable logistics partners: Exporters must ensure they have reliable and flexible logistics partners capable of scaling operations during peak seasons. Partnering with global logistics providers, like DHL Express, with experience of handling high volumes is essential for timely shipping and maintaining export commitments.

How DHL Express can support Indian Businesses during peak season

Logistics are crucial to any successful export strategy, particularly during India's peak shipping seasons when the demand is high and timely deliveries are vital. DHL Express, as a leading global logistics provider, offers comprehensive international shipping solutions to help Indian businesses navigate these challenges and streamline the export of goods. Some of the key benefits that we provide Indian exporters include:

• Global reach and expertise: We have an extensive international network, operating in numerous countries and territories. This vast reach allows Indian exporters to access even the most remote markets efficiently, ensuring their goods arrive on time and in optimal condition.
• Real-time shipment tracking: With our real-time tracking solutions, businesses can monitor their shipments from dispatch to delivery. This level of visibility provides peace of mind to exporters and their customers, ensuring transparency throughout the logistics process.
• Peak season scalability: We are equipped to handle high volumes during peak seasons, offering scalable solutions tailored to the demands of Indian businesses. Whether it’s increased capacity for air freight or expedited deliveries, DHL Express ensures that exporters can help meet tight deadlines without compromising service quality.

For Indian businesses looking to expand their export reach and meet the high demands of peak seasons, we have the expertise and solutions necessary to ensure smooth and efficient global shipping of goods. Open a business account with us today and experience the difference.

For more information on navigating peak seasons, check out our checklist and guide to sustainable shipping during peak seasons.