Jaipur: Merchandise exports from Rajasthan declined by 30% in 2024-25 to Rs 59,511 crore compared to Rs 83,704 crore in 2023-24. The fall is the steepest in more than a decade, though there was a slight dip in 2019-20 to Rs 49,946 crore against Rs 51,178 crore in 2018-19.The decline was led by engineering goods, ready-made garments, yarns, and chemicals, among others. The state’s share in the country’s exports also fell to 1.8% in 2024-25, down from 2.4% in the previous financial year.Exporters said that while Rajasthan’s exporters still enjoy an edge in traditional sectors like gem and jewellery and handicrafts, in sectors such as industrial goods and chemicals, the state is becoming less competitive compared to other states and countries.Lalit Ahuja, a senior representative of the Engineering Exports Promotion Council, said, “Due to geopolitical unrest, the global demand for engineering goods declined. At the same time, RIICO needs to improve its industrial infrastructure, and the govt should provide capital subsidy to cushion such hard landings.”However, another representative of the industry said that the infrastructure in industrial areas like Bhiwadi and Neemrana, which are hubs for engineering goods, is in bad condition. “The govt has turned a blind eye to the problems of the areas, and not enough new factories are being set up to maintain growth,” he added.Exports of industrial goods fell sharply from Rs 27,280 crore ($3.41 billion) in 2023-24 to Rs 10,800 crore ($1.35 billion, based on Rs at 80). Ready-made garment exports also declined by 13% to Rs 2,325 crore ($290.66 million) in 2024-25 from Rs 2,600 crore ($332.50 million) in 2023-24.Rakshit Poddar, President of the Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan, said, “We are facing headwinds both from our policies and the competition from cheaper destinations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. The cost of doing business is very high in the state. Also, there is not enough support to promote our products in the global markets.”Rajasthan is a landlocked state, and logistics costs are very high. Despite the state govt announcing incentives for freight charges, so far, it has not provided the support to the industry, others said.
Raj’s merchandise exports fall sharply by 30% in 2024-25 | Jaipur News
