Exporters Flag Compliance Costs, Testing Hurdles; Goyal Assures Support
Industry representatives have raised concerns over compliance costs, testing requirements, and challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in entering export markets during a meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
Freight costs continue to be a significant burden for MSME exporters, the statement noted. The Minister assured continued support, including facilitation and targeted interventions, to reduce entry barriers and enhance ease of doing business.
Mr. Goyal urged exporters and industry bodies to fully leverage India's trade pacts with developed economies to expand market access, boost exports, and create employment opportunities, emphasising that timely utilisation of these agreements is critical.
India's total merchandise and services exports reached a record $860.09 billion in 2025–26, registering a 4.22% year-on-year growth. Sectors such as engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and agri-based products have sustained export momentum despite global disruptions.
The Minister emphasised that this milestone should serve as a springboard for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030. He also highlighted government support for exporters to enter new markets and increase their presence in existing markets to accelerate growth.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 30 export promotion councils and apex industry chambers, along with senior officials from the Department of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
