India Export Martx: Beyond US Tariffs: Vietnam and Belgium Embrace Indian Exports

There was a time when Indian exporters were deeply concerned. This was during a period when the United States had increased tariffs on goods imported from India. The US has historically been India's largest buyer, especially for textiles, gems and jewelry, and marine products. It was widely feared that this move could severely impact these crucial sectors and potentially affect the livelihoods of millions of people. This situation presented a significant challenge for the Indian economy, given its substantial export reliance on the US market.

A New Strategy of Market Diversification

However, as the saying goes, when one door closes, many new ones open. Something similar has happened with India, while the latest figures released by the Ministry of Commerce are extremely reassuring. These statistics clearly indicate that Indian businesses have successfully reduced their over-reliance on the American market and have established a strong foothold in new global markets. While the US may have erected tariff barriers, several countries around the world have opened their arms to Indian products, providing a new direction and momentum to India's exports. This strategy has not only helped in addressing immediate challenges but is also making Indian exports more resilient and solid for the future. The data reveals that India has successfully shifted its strategy from solely depending on the US for selling its goods. As a direct result, there has been a tremendous increase in demand for Indian products from countries like the UAE, Vietnam, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. According to the Ministry of Commerce's figures for January to September 2025, the growing demand for Indian products across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East has provided new strength to our exports. This shift is a very positive sign for the Indian economy, while it demonstrates that India's exports are no longer hostage to the political or economic fluctuations of a single country. By selling its goods in diverse nations, India has Notably reduced its trade risk and strengthened its position in global trade.

Vietnam and Belgium Emerge as Key Marine Product Importers

The most impressive performance has been observed in the marine products sector. Between January and September of this year, India's marine product exports recorded a solid increase of 15. 6 percent compared to the same period last year. In total, we exported marine products worth 4, while 83 billion dollars to the world. This growth rate, despite a global slowdown in trade, highlights the resilience of the Indian marine product industry. The primary reason for this surge is the increasing demand for Indian seafood in countries other than the US. It's true that the US remains our largest market, where we exported goods worth 1. 44 billion dollars. However, the real story is unfolding in new markets, which are opening up fresh opportunities for Indian exporters.

Phenomenal Growth in Emerging Markets

Our exports to Vietnam have seen a remarkable increase of 100. 4 percent, effectively doubling. This is a testament to the growing popularity and acceptance of Indian marine products in Vietnam, while similarly, the European nation of Belgium purchased 73. 0 percent more marine products from India, and Thailand increased its imports by 54. 4 percent. This indicates that Indian shrimp, fish, and other marine products are now finding a special place on dining tables across Asia and Europe. The rising demand for Indian seafood in these countries isn't only beneficial for exporters but also reflects the quality and competitive pricing of Indian products. On top of that, our exports to China have grown by 9, while 8 percent, to Malaysia by 64. 2 percent, and to Japan by 10. 9 percent, further solidifying our strong presence in Asian markets.

Indian Textiles Shine from Peru to Poland

Now, let's talk about the textile industry, which provides employment to millions of people and is a vital pillar of the Indian economy. There were fears that US tariffs would impact this sector as well, potentially affecting the livelihoods of countless individuals. However, here too, Indian exporters have explored new avenues and transformed challenges into opportunities, while during January to September 2025, India's textile exports saw a modest but highly significant increase of 1. 23 percent, reaching 28. 05 billion dollars. This slight growth, amidst a global recession and fierce competition, is a major victory, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the Indian textile industry.

Global Acceptance of Indian Textiles

This growth is also attributed to new and emerging markets. It's encouraging to note that Indian textiles are now making their way into markets in countries like Peru and Nigeria, which weren't traditionally our primary markets. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a major regional hub for Indian textiles. Our exports to the UAE increased by 8. 6 percent, reaching 136. 5 million dollars. This implies that our goods are reaching across the entire West Asia. And Africa through the UAE, broadening the reach of Indian textiles even further. Demand for Indian textiles is also steadily increasing in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Increases of 11, while 8 percent in the Netherlands, 24. 1 percent in Poland, 9. 1 percent in Spain, and 24. 5 percent in Egypt prove that Indian textiles maintain their appeal worldwide and are establishing their identity in the global fashion and apparel industry. This is a positive signal for Indian exporters that by. Diversifying their market strategy, they can effectively navigate global challenges.