UP exports breach Rs 2 lakh crore mark, strengthens Yogi Govt’s $1 trillion economy pitch

LUCKNOW : Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major economic milestone by crossing the Rs 2 lakh crore export mark for the first time, reinforcing the state’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

Official data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) shows that the state’s exports rose to Rs 2,01,241 crore in 2025-26, an increase of 8.16 per cent over Rs 1,86,060 crore in the previous financial year.

The growth is significantly higher than the national average export growth of 5.45 per cent and reflects the state’s expanding manufacturing base, increasing global market access and policy-driven focus on exports. Uttar Pradesh continues to be India’s fifth-largest exporting state after Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

“The rise in exports is a positive indicator for Uttar Pradesh’s economy and will contribute significantly to the state’s journey towards becoming a one trillion dollar economy. Strong exports generate employment, attract investments, strengthen MSMEs and enhance the global competitiveness of industries based in Uttar Pradesh,” said Mukesh Singh, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Chapter of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.

Economists and industry leaders say sustained export growth will play a crucial role in helping Uttar Pradesh achieve its long-term economic target. Higher exports translate into increased industrial production, greater demand for goods manufactured in the state, more employment opportunities, higher foreign exchange earnings and stronger private investment. They also boost the income of MSMEs, artisans and farmers who are linked to global supply chains through export-oriented industries.

The export growth comes as the Yogi Adityanath government is banking heavily on manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure to accelerate economic expansion. Schemes such as One District One Product (ODOP), the Defence Corridor, electronics manufacturing clusters, data centres and the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar are expected to further strengthen the state’s export ecosystem.

Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Finance, UP Government said that crossing the Rs 2 lakh crore mark is an important milestone but say exports will need to grow at a much faster pace to support the state’s $1 trillion economy roadmap. “The government has already set its sights on taking exports beyond Rs 3 lakh crore over the next few years by creating new export hubs, improving logistics infrastructure, expanding air cargo facilities and simplifying procedures for exporters through digital platforms,” he said.

FICCI Uttar Pradesh Chapter Chairman Manoj Gupta and Indian Industries Association National President Dinesh Goyal said enhanced data collection and changes in export reporting have played a major role in the exceptional growth recorded by several states.

Industry representatives, however, say Uttar Pradesh still faces structural challenges. The state lacks direct access to seaports, making logistics more expensive than coastal states. MSME exporters continue to have limited penetration in global markets, while high-value technology and electronics exports remain relatively small compared to leading manufacturing states.

Although several states reported sharper percentage increases in exports during the year, industry experts noted that much of the extraordinary growth in some neighbouring states was driven by changes in export reporting systems, customs-based classification and improved documentation of shipments. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh’s growth reflects a broad-based expansion in exports across sectors while maintaining its position among the country’s top exporting states.

With export-led growth emerging as a key pillar of its economic strategy, Uttar Pradesh is expected to intensify efforts to diversify its export basket, strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and improve connectivity to global markets. Industry leaders say maintaining double-digit export growth over the coming years will be critical if the state is to translate its $1 trillion economy vision into reality.