Maharashtra Emerges India’s Most Export Ready State
Maharashtra has been ranked the most export‑ready large state in India’s economic landscape according to the latest national assessment of state export competitiveness, marking a significant shift in the geography of India’s trade ecosystem. The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, released this week by a central planning agency, positions the state ahead of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat — long‑standing export leaders — reflecting enhanced policy frameworks, logistics capacity and institutional support that underpin sustainable growth in outbound trade.
The EPI is designed to go beyond headline export values and measure how well regions are positioned to expand exports over time. It incorporates four key dimensions: infrastructure quality, business ecosystem strength, governance and policy effectiveness, and export performance. Maharashtra’s improved standing across these dimensions highlights its evolving industrial ecosystem and deepening integration with global value chains, even as global trade faces persistent volatility. For urban planners and economic strategists, the shift matters because export readiness influences job creation, productivity gains and investment flows across connected sectors — from manufacturing parks and logistics hubs to IT services and specialised skill clusters. Maharashtra’s dense network of ports, airports and multimodal corridors has boosted connectivity, while state‑level agencies have stepped up targeted support for small and medium exporters. These enhancements are increasingly critical as India aims to expand its global trade footprint amid rising geoeconomic competition.
Tamil Nadu — historically among India’s strongest export engines due to its automotive, electronics, textile and engineering goods sectors — retains a robust performance. However, its comparative score in areas such as ease of doing business and ecosystem diversification lagged relative to Maharashtra this cycle, underscoring how states’ relative competitiveness can evolve with policy shifts and infrastructure investment. Gujarat, another leading export hub with strong petrochemicals and logistics capacities, remains a top performer and is closely ranked behind Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, states such as Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have climbed in the rankings, reflecting broader efforts to build export ecosystems beyond traditional coastal strongholds. This trend aligns with national objectives to strengthen regional participation in trade and reduce geographic concentration risk.
Economists note that export readiness is not solely about export volumes but about resilience and diversification. Regions that score highly in institutional governance and business environment are better placed to attract foreign investment, integrate into global supply chains and adapt to market shocks. For urban policymakers, this implies prioritising seamless logistics, regulatory predictability and skills development — all essential pillars of sustainable economic growth.
Looking ahead, the EPI’s findings may influence how states calibrate their industrial strategies, particularly as trade agreements and global demand patterns shift. For Maharashtra, maintaining its lead will require continued investment in green logistics infrastructure, workforce development and trade facilitation — interventions that can reinforce inclusive growth while bolstering long‑term export competitiveness across India’s urban and rural economies.
