Export Where it Matters – Forget the USA

According to the United Nations, there are 193 sovereign Countries in the World.

Remove USA (& India as one is exporting from India), you still have a massive global market of 191 countries!

If the USA is stirring a Tariff Tempest, let us the Indians create a tenacity.

We give below a table with countries and products that we all can look to export now onwards:

Countries & Regions India Should Focus On (Beyond the USA)

1.European Union (EU)

Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain
EU remains one of India’s largest trade partners.
Big demand for pharma, textiles, auto components, IT services, chemicals, and agri-products.
With ongoing EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, tariffs could reduce further.

Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines
Rising middle-class consumption, growing demand for gems, jewelry, leather, machinery, and food products.
Vietnam in particular is becoming a hub for electronics & garments, where Indian textiles and inputs can fit in.
Strong maritime logistics connections from Chennai, Vizag, and Kolkata ports.

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
UAE is already India’s second-largest export market (after the U.S.).
Big buyers of gems & jewelry, petroleum products, rice, meat, textiles, and engineering goods.
India–UAE CEPA (2022) gives India duty-free access to ~90% of products.

South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Ghana
Rapidly urbanizing economies with demand for pharma, automobiles, machinery, textiles, food staples (rice, sugar, spices).
Africa is less saturated and Indian products are more competitive compared to U.S./EU goods.

Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru
Growing markets for pharma, auto parts, chemicals, textiles, engineering goods.
Brazil is a major market for beef substitutes, agri inputs, and machinery.
Mexico offers opportunities for auto components and electronics, especially under USMCA (can re-export into N. America).

Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia
Demand for pharma, food products, auto parts, textiles.
With Russia facing Western sanctions, India is in a good position to expand trade, especially in energy-linked products and consumer goods.

Australia & New Zealand
Strong potential for pharma, IT services, textiles, food & beverages.
The India–Australia ECTA (2022) reduces tariffs significantly, boosting competitiveness.

5 Quick Steps Indian Exporters Must Take Now

Diversify Markets – Explore EU, ASEAN, Africa, Latin America, and Gulf instead of relying heavily on the U.S.
Enhance Value & Quality – Move up the value chain with certified, innovative, and sustainable products.
Leverage Govt. Schemes – Utilize incentives, credit support, and export promotion benefits announced by the Commerce Ministry.
Strengthen Supply Chains – Invest in better logistics, local sourcing, and digital trade platforms.
Collaborate & Adapt – Work with industry bodies, trade associations, and chambers to stay informed and aligned with global trends.