Exports: ‘Karnataka ranks first in services, but fourth in merchandise’

Even though Karnataka tops the country’s chart in export of services, the State occupies the fourth position in export of merchandise, according to Joint Director of Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTPC) C.S. Babu Nagesh.

Speaking after inaugurating an export management training camp organised here on Monday, Mr. Nagesh said Karnataka, by exporting $158 billion of services out of India’s total services export of $387 billion during 2024-25, accounted for 41% of the country’s services exports.

Karnataka was followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, he said.

Trailing behind

However, Karnataka trailed behind Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu to occupy the fourth position when it came to export of merchandise.

He said Karnataka accounted for $189 billion worth of exports out of the country’s total exports of merchandise and services worth $852 billion.

Sharing these statistics, Mr. Nagesh called upon “budding exporters” to bridge the country’s trade deficit by exporting more goods than it imports.

However, he asked the trainees to properly study the market, both domestic and international, before starting export of various commodities.

He said VTPC was the only such export promotion centre in any State. During the six-day training programme, representatives from the departments, which had to give their approval for exports, would hold sessions.

VTPC would not only facilitate exporters attend trade exhibitions, but also provide information on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and simplification of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Meanwhile, general secretary of Mysuru Industries Association, Suresh Kumar Jain, said exporters should ensure that their products were not only cost-effective, but also of superior quality.

GI products

Secretary of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shivaji Rao A.K., said there was a need for export promotion councils to secure more Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the benefit of exporters.

Out of the total 603 registered GI tags in India, Karnataka held the highest number of them in the country. The 42 GI products registered in Karnataka that showcased its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship include Mysore Silk, Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Mysore Sandalwood Oil, Mysore Agarbathi etc., besides agricultural products like Byadagi chilli and Sirsi supari.

Earlier, Deputy Director, Zilla Panchayat Mysuru, Ms Meghala L, who also represents VTPC Export Facilitation Centre in Mysuru, said the six day training programme will also comprise a cargo visit to the airport in Bengaluru, besides a session with successful exporters, who will share their experiences.

EoM