Amazon says Indian e-commerce exports cross $20 billion, eyes $80 billion by 2030

Amazon said on Monday that exports by Indian sellers on its platform have crossed $20 billion, with $7 billion shipped in 2024 alone, despite the impact of higher US import tariffs.

The company said it aims to reach $80 billion in cumulative exports by 2030, supported by global demand for Indian-made cosmetics, toys, furniture and apparel.

The US had doubled tariffs on certain Indian goods to 50% from August 27, in response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The move affected thousands of small businesses and artisans, but Amazon said the broader export impact remains limited.

“We focus on controllable inputs, not short-term trade headwinds,” said Srinidhi Kalvapudi, head of Amazon Global Selling India. “Our long-term story is structural, not cyclical, and for e-commerce exports, it’s still day one.”

Launched in 2015, Amazon’s Global Selling programme allows Indian small and medium enterprises to sell to customers in 18 markets, including the US, Britain, Germany, Canada and the UAE.

The US remains the top destination for Indian sellers, followed by Britain, Germany and Canada, Kalvapudi said.

According to India’s commerce ministry data, exports to the US fell to $5.43 billion in September from $6.87 billion in August, as tariffs hit shipments of textiles, shrimp, gems and jewellery.

Amazon’s exporter base has now grown to 200,000 sellers, up 33% in a year, across 28 states and seven union territories. The $20 billion milestone was reached ahead of schedule, driven by smaller cities such as Panipat, Bhadohi, Karur and Erode.

“Exports are no longer limited to metros — small towns are now major contributors,” Kalvapudi said.

Categories like health, beauty, home, apparel and toys have grown over 35% annually, with Panipat and Karur alone exporting $160 million worth of goods this year. Kalvapudi said India’s 2023 trade policy and RBI’s simplified e-commerce export rules have further supported this growth.

“These reforms will compound over time as Indian brands expand globally,” he added.

(With inputs from Reuters)