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MSME Focus
India’s MSME sector spans diverse industries with varying degrees of global competitiveness. This page compares Indian MSMEs with global counterparts across key parameters: cost structure, GVC (Global Value Chain) role, and export performance.
Caveat: The industry summaries provided below are directional and for guidance only. The data provided on this page is sourced for information published by Government of India agencies and Ministries, independent think tanks, banks and development bodies. India Trade Port does not vouch for the data accuracy. Please conduct your own due diligence before taking any decisions.
Select Your Industry
Select Your Industry
Select Your Industry
Leather & Footwear
India is the second-largest exporter of leather garments and third-largest in footwear globally. The sector is MSME-dominated, employing over 4 million people, with a strong presence in tanning, manufacturing, and design. Exports stood at $4.5 billion (FY2023), largely driven by MSMEs supplying to global fashion, utility, and safety footwear brands.
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda
India is the world’s third-largest producer by volume of pharmaceuticals and a global hub for generic drugs and traditional medicine. Over 8,000 MSMEs operate in this sector, contributing significantly to exports of generics, APIs, nutraceuticals, and Ayurveda-based products. Exports from this segment reached $27 billion (FY2023)
Engineering Goods
Engineering goods are India’s largest exported commodity group, with exports crossing $107 billion in FY2023. MSMEs form the backbone of this sector, engaged in the manufacturing of components, industrial machinery, auto parts, and capital goods, supplying to global OEMs and infrastructure projects
Food Processing & Agro
India is one of the world’s largest producers of food and agricultural products, with MSMEs playing a pivotal role in processing, packaging, and exporting value-added goods like spices, ready-to-eat foods, dairy, and organic produce. The sector contributed over $40 billion in agri and food product exports in FY2023
Gems & Jewellery
India is a global leader in cut and polished diamonds and a major exporter of gold jewellery, silverware, and gemstones. The sector is MSME-driven, employing over 4.3 million people and contributing around $37 billion in exports (FY2023). MSMEs are central to artisanal craftsmanship, design, and contract manufacturing for global luxury brands
IT & Digital Services
India is a global IT powerhouse, with MSMEs contributing significantly to exports in software development, BPO, SaaS, digital marketing, and cloud services. Over 16,000 tech MSMEs cater to international clients, especially startups and SMEs abroad. IT & ITeS exports by MSMEs are estimated at $15–20 billion annually
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
India’s FMCG sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing, with MSMEs playing a key role in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of products in food, personal care, household, and health segments. MSMEs contribute significantly to domestic consumption and are emerging exporters of niche and ethnic FMCG products. FMCG exports from India were valued at over $15 billion in FY2023
Fisheries & Aquaculture
India is the third-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer globally. The sector is highly MSME-driven, involving over 4 million fishers and fish farmers, with exports crossing $8 billion in FY2023, primarily in shrimp, frozen fish, and mollusks. MSMEs play a key role in hatcheries, feed production, cold chain, and seafood processing
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