Gujarat, which contributes nearly a quarter of India's total merchandise exports, could tap into a combined import market exceeding USD 1.08 trillion across India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries. The state government plans to spotlight these export opportunities at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, scheduled from 10 to 12 January at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

Gujarat's Export Footprint

Gujarat posted merchandise exports worth USD 110.6 billion in the financial year 2025-26, cementing its position as India's largest exporting state. The state's exports more than doubled in rupee terms — from ₹4.44 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹9.77 lakh crore in 2025-26. Of this, USD 37.8 billion — roughly 34 per cent of Gujarat's total merchandise exports — already flows to FTA partner countries, suggesting significant headroom for further expansion.

Sectors Poised to Benefit

The export opportunities are concentrated in sectors where Gujarat has deep industrial roots: chemicals and petrochemicals, marine products, agro-processed foods, gems and jewellery, textiles and apparel, and engineering and automobiles. Beyond these traditional pillars, the state's AYUSH wellness industry and emerging segments in digital services and artificial intelligence are also expected to benefit from wider international market access.

The FTA network is also seen as a growth lever for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) — particularly women-led businesses in textiles, leather goods, and handicrafts — by improving their overseas market access and cost competitiveness.

India's Expanding FTA Network

India currently has nine FTAs spanning 38 countries, with the network expanding rapidly over the past five years. Key agreements include the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE in February 2022, the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement with Australia in April 2022, and the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) — comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — in March 2024.

More recently, a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom was signed in July 2025, followed by a CEPA with Oman in December 2025. Negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Union concluded in January 2026, and an FTA with New Zealand was signed in April 2026. Notably, newer-generation agreements extend well beyond tariff reductions, covering digital trade, mobility, sustainability, innovation, and regulatory cooperation.

India's Record Export Performance

The momentum behind these agreements is backed by strong national-level numbers. India's combined merchandise and services exports reached a record USD 863.1 billion in FY 2025-26, including merchandise exports of USD 441.8 billion. During April–June 2026, combined exports were estimated at USD 232.73 billion, up 11.37 per cent year-on-year — underscoring the underlying export momentum that FTAs are designed to accelerate.

Vibrant Gujarat Summit and What Comes Next

The three-day summit will feature dedicated sectoral sessions examining how India's FTA network can strengthen Gujarat's industrial clusters and export base. The state government intends to align FTA opportunities with district-level industrial strengths, with the objective of deepening Gujarat's role in global manufacturing and supply chains. The initiative is also framed within India's broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, positioning the state as a key driver of the country's next phase of export-led growth. Effective utilisation of these agreements — especially for smaller enterprises — will be critical in converting preferential market access into tangible trade gains.