Tamil Nadu Sets Sights on $18 Billion Electronics Export Milestone
Industries Minister T R B Raaja announced on Tuesday that Tamil Nadu is poised to surpass $18 billion in electronics exports this fiscal year. This ambitious projection comes as India's overall electronics exports are estimated to reach approximately $45 billion, highlighting the state's significant contribution to the national economy.
Long-Term Vision: $150 Billion Target by 2031
With the Indian electronics industry projected to expand to a staggering $500 billion by 2031, Tamil Nadu has established an aggressive target of $150 billion. Minister Raaja emphasized that while scaling exports remains a priority, the state is strategically pivoting toward research and development to enhance global competitiveness.
Speaking at a B2B electronics manufacturing event organized by the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA), Raaja outlined a bold vision: "We aim to position Tamil Nadu as the hub for the global South. We have established expertise in manufacturing and services. The next big frontier is R&D, and I urge all stakeholders to invest substantially in this area."
He further called upon academic institutions, stating, "We encourage students and professors to actively identify industry possibilities and address existing gaps through innovative research."
Incentive Packages Drive Project Success
The minister credited the state's proactive approach in offering additional incentive packages beyond central government schemes for securing significant investments. This strategy has enabled Tamil Nadu to win five out of seven projects under the first phase of the electronics component manufacturing scheme and capture 69% of all jobs generated in the second phase.
Raaja acknowledged the collaborative efforts, noting, "I extend gratitude to the Government of India for its proactive support in these sectors. I am confident they recognize the value added by state-level initiatives in bolstering national objectives."
Industry Leaders Advocate for Value Creation
Addressing the ongoing global supply chain realignment, Dr. Sasikumar Gendham, President of ELCINA, highlighted critical shifts needed for India's ascent. "To power India's rise as the world's electronics engine, we must transition from assembly to value creation, from cost advantage to capability advantage, and from fragmentation to a robust, integrated ecosystem," he asserted.
This call to action underscores the industry's focus on moving beyond mere manufacturing to fostering innovation and high-value production within Tamil Nadu's electronics sector.
