Export readiness: Maharashtra tops NITI Aayog’s export preparedness index; Tamil Nadu, Gujarat follow

Maharashtra has emerged as the top-performing state in NITI Aayog’s fourth Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, according to the government think tank’s report released on Wednesday, PTI reported.The rankings place Maharashtra at the top, followed by Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab, reflecting states’ readiness in terms of export potential, policy support and performance outcomes.Among the smaller states and Union Territories, Uttarakhand secured the top position, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa and Tripura, the report said.Releasing the index, NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam said that as India expands its network of Free Trade Agreements and Economic Partnership Agreements, the role of strong domestic foundations becomes increasingly critical.“For states, this means fostering ecosystems that can respond to new opportunities, align with global standards, and build competitiveness across districts,” Subrahmanyam said.He added that in recent years, several states have begun strengthening their export vision through dedicated policies, institutions and infrastructure, indicating a shift towards a more proactive and structured approach to exports.Exports are a key driver of economic growth, playing important role in strengthening participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs), earning foreign exchange and enhancing global competitiveness. For India — the fastest-growing major economy — exports are crucial for improving economic resilience, reducing trade deficits and promoting inclusive growth.The export preparedness index 2024 follows a consistent, data-driven methodology to assess states across parameters such as export policies, business environment, infrastructure quality and export outcomes. The data is sourced from both state and central government agencies, with indicators weighted according to their relative importance.