Karnataka tops India’s services exports but ranks fourth in merchandise trade.
Mysuru
Karnataka continues to dominate India’s services export sector, accounting for $158 billion out of the country’s total $387 billion in 2024-25, according to C.S. Babu Nagesh, Joint Director of the Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTPC). Speaking at the inauguration of a six-day export management training camp here on Monday, he noted that the State contributed 41% of India’s total services exports.
Despite this, Karnataka lags in merchandise exports, ranking fourth behind Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu with $189 billion worth of exports out of India’s total $852 billion. Nagesh urged budding exporters to bridge the trade deficit by increasing merchandise exports while emphasizing the importance of studying domestic and international markets.
Shivaji Rao A.K., Secretary of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need to secure more Geographical Indication (GI) tags for local products. Karnataka currently holds the highest number of GI registrations in India, with 42 items including Mysore Silk, Mysore Sandalwood Oil, Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Byadagi chilli, and Sirsi supari, reflecting the State’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Deputy Director of Zilla Panchayat, Mysuru, Meghala L., representing VTPC’s Export Facilitation Centre, added that the training program will include cargo visits to Bengaluru airport and interactive sessions with successful exporters. VTPC, the only export promotion centre in any Indian state, also supports exporters by facilitating participation in trade exhibitions, providing SEZ information, and simplifying Goods and Services Tax (GST) procedures.
The program aims to equip participants with skills and knowledge to enhance Karnataka’s export footprint in both services and merchandise sectors.