Tamil Nadu Sets $72 Billion Merchandise Export Target for Current Fiscal Year

Tamil Nadu has announced a target to increase its merchandise exports to $72 billion by the end of the fiscal year, up from $59 billion. The state plans to achieve this through district-level targets, support for first-time exporters, and the establishment of a Free Trade Agreement Facilitation Cell.

Tamil Nadu has set a target to raise its merchandise exports to $72 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, moving up from the $59 billion recorded previously. The state government plans to drive this growth by implementing district-wise export targets, establishing a specific services export target, and positioning Kancheepuram as India's top exporting district.

To support this expansion, the state intends to upgrade export testing centres under the Export Promotion Mission, provide targeted assistance to first-time exporters, and set up a dedicated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Facilitation Cell. These measures were discussed at a State-Level Workshop held in Chennai on Friday, which focused on expanding Tamil Nadu's export opportunities globally.

The workshop was attended by officials from both state and central government departments. Discussions reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of India to taking local products to international markets while strengthening the contributions of the state's MSMEs, farmers, artisans, and exporters to overall national export growth.

The event also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to extend the benefits of Free Trade Agreements across all districts of Tamil Nadu, develop a new cohort of exporters, and further increase the state's share in global trade.

Addressing the workshop, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S Keerthana emphasized the need to fully utilize India's FTAs to strengthen the global competitiveness of local industries. She added that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and MSMEs should actively diversify their export markets and product lines to ensure that the economic advantages of international trade reach every district in the state.

"Tamil Nadu's push to decentralize export growth down to the district level is a practical strategy for scaling regional trade. By focusing on MSMEs, first-time exporters, and utilizing Free Trade Agreements effectively, the state is building a structured framework to hit its $72 billion target. For businesses and micro-enterprises in the region, this creates a clear pathway to tap into international markets, provided logistical support and testing infrastructure are scaled up simultaneously." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes