Even before exports to the biggest export market — the United States — became tougher due to hefty 50% tariffs, India exporters turned attention to other countries recording smart gains in shipment products.
Diversification of export markets have seen a higher share of a few Asian markets in India’s export basket, including for items that are expected to be hit by the additional US tariffs the hardest. Exports of textiles, gems and jewellery, and marine products to UAE, Vietnam, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia recorded sharp increases, driven by rising demand across Asia and Europe. The signs of escalating tariffs by the US were visible since before the election of US President Donald Trump in November last year. Indian exporters seem to have promptly hedged the risks with diversification.
Data showed that India’s marine exports during January–September rose 15.6% year-on-year to $ 4.83 billion, driven primarily by surging demand in several non-US destinations. This was the sector that was expected to be among the hardest hit by US tariffs. While the US continues to remain the top individual destination ($1.44 billion), the sharpest expansions have been recorded in Vietnam ( 100.4%), Belgium (73%), and Thailand (54.4%).
Substantial increases were also noted in China ( 9.8%), Malaysia ( 64.2%), and Japan ( 10.9%) during the same period .
“A clear trend of export diversification is visible, with emerging destinations such as Vietnam and Belgium gaining market share, while established Asian partners like Thailand, Malaysia, and China have deepened their import volumes,” an official said.
Similarly, the country’s textiles exports are making inroads into new and emerging markets such as Peru and Nigeria. India’s textile exports recorded a modest but positive growth of 1.23 per cent during January–September 2025, reaching $ 28.05 billion.
The United Arab Emirates led the growth with exports rising 8.6%t ($ 136.5 million) in January-September, reaffirming its position as a key regional hub for Indian textiles. Gains were also recorded in the Netherlands (11.8 %), Poland ( 24.1 %), Spain ( 9.1 %), and Egypt ( 24.5 %), signalling growing traction across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The country’s gems and jewellery exports too witnessed a modest rise of 1.24 per cent during the first half of this calendar year to $ 22.73 billion.
The UAE remained the largest destination, with exports increasing by 37.7 per cent to $ 1.93 billion.
Strong gains were also recorded in South Korea (134 %), Saudi Arabia ( 68 %), and Canada ( 41 %), reflecting growing demand for Indian jewellery and cut-and-polished diamonds in emerging luxury and investment-driven markets.
Notably, Mexico and China emerged as new high-growth destinations, signalling the sector’s widening reach into Latin America and East Asia.
