New Delhi, August 4, 2025 — In a significant move to boost India’s global trade presence, the government is set to launch a ₹20,000 crore export promotion scheme by September 2025, aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global markets and supporting key export-oriented sectors.
According to officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the upcoming scheme will focus on high-potential sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. The goal is to provide targeted incentives and infrastructure support to Indian exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to overcome trade barriers and expand their international market reach.
The new initiative is expected to replace or consolidate several existing incentive programs, such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, into a more streamlined and sector-specific approach. The plan has been finalized after months of stakeholder consultations with exporters, trade bodies, and industry leaders.
“The ₹20,000 crore export push will serve as a game-changer for Indian businesses,” said a senior government official. “It’s designed to support sectors where India has a competitive edge, provide faster disbursal of incentives, and facilitate ease of doing business.”
🔍 Key Features of the Scheme:
- Direct Financial Incentives to exporters based on performance benchmarks
- Fast-Track Refunds of taxes and duties on input materials
- Credit Access Support for SMEs via government-backed trade financing
- Market Access Programs including trade fairs, international collaborations, and logistics upgrades
- Digital Tools for export data analytics and compliance management
The government also plans to establish a central export facilitation portal to monitor applications, disburse funds, and track export performance in real-time.
India’s exports have faced challenges in recent months due to global economic slowdown, shifting supply chains, and rising logistics costs. Total merchandise exports stood at $447 billion in FY24, a marginal dip from the previous year. The new scheme is part of the broader strategy to help India reach its ambitious target of $1 trillion in exports by 2030.
Industry experts have welcomed the announcement. “This is a timely intervention,” said Dr. Ramesh Chadha, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO). “Exporters, especially in the MSME segment, need liquidity and policy clarity. A large, well-structured scheme can be the boost they need.”
However, some economists warn that incentive-based schemes must be closely monitored for efficiency and avoiding duplication. “Implementation is key. Past programs faced issues with delayed disbursals and red tape,” noted trade economist Anjali Desai. “The success of this ₹20,000 crore scheme will depend on transparency and speed.”
The Ministry of Commerce is expected to officially announce the detailed framework of the scheme in the coming weeks, with a rollout date targeted for mid to late September 2025.
With global trade dynamics rapidly evolving, India’s proactive export strategy underscores its commitment to becoming a dominant player in international markets while bolstering domestic manufacturing and job creation.
