Tamil Nadu Exports: USD 72 Billion Goods Target in FY27
02 November 2026: Tamil Nadu outlined plans to increase merchandise exports from USD 59 billion to USD 72 billion in FY2026-27 at a Chennai workshop on 30 October 2026. A proposed FTA Facilitation Cell forms part of measures to support first-time exporters and expand overseas market access.
Tamil Nadu exports plan sets district priorities
The planned measures include district-wise export targets, a separate target for services exports and upgrades to export testing centres under the Export Promotion Mission. The government also wants to make Kancheepuram India’s top exporting district, BW Businessworld reported.
The USD 72 billion goal therefore covers merchandise exports rather than combined goods and services. The FTA cell remains a proposed measure; BW Businessworld’s report does not specify an opening date or operational arrangements.
Developing new exporters and widening participation by farmers and artisans also featured in the district-based approach, according to BW Businessworld. The report described coordinated central and state efforts to extend FTA benefits across Tamil Nadu.
DGFT, Guidance Tamil Nadu and FIEO organise workshop
An official PIB release identifies the organisers as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s Chennai office, Guidance Tamil Nadu and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. The programme brought together exporters, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), export promotion councils and chambers of commerce to discuss opportunities under India’s free trade agreements (FTAs). Central and state government officials also attended the programme.
PIB recorded 198 exporters representing nine sectors, including engineering, leather, gems and jewellery, and agriculture. It also confirmed participation by nine Farmer Producer Organisations from Tamil Nadu districts. These figures describe exporter and FPO participation, not an overall attendance total.
Market access and district outreach
Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Minister S. Keerthana addressed the closing session. According to PIB, she encouraged women entrepreneurs to diversify into new sectors and explore overseas markets. BW Businessworld also reported her call for self-help groups and MSMEs to diversify export markets and products.
Rajalakshmi Devraj, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade at the Chennai Regional Authority, urged exporters to use preferential market access under FTAs and support available through the Export Promotion Mission. The discussions included trade opportunities involving Australia and the United Kingdom.
Devraj described India’s nine new FTAs as covering economies with approximately USD 60 trillion in combined GDP. She put particular emphasis on agriculture, saying producer groups should explore international markets and benefit from emerging export opportunities. She also described the gathering as an opportunity for exporters from different sectors to exchange experiences, build contacts and identify business prospects.
Alex Paul Menon, Development Commissioner of MEPZ Special Economic Zone, said similar outreach programmes were being planned across Tamil Nadu districts. Their purpose would be to improve awareness among exporters, particularly MSMEs, and help them use FTA benefits.
Textiles and export finance feature in discussions
Textile Value Chain’s report said sector discussions covered textiles and apparel, agriculture, food processing, marine products, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering, automobiles, auto components, electronics and technology hardware.
The publication also reported discussions on export credit, guarantees and trade-risk management involving ECGC, NABARD and banking representatives. It said Keerthana released a handbook containing 100 frequently asked questions on exports.
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