India's Motorcycle Exports Soar to All-Time High in 2025, Driven by Global Demand
The calendar year 2025 has emerged as a landmark period for India's motorcycle manufacturing sector, with exports achieving their highest-ever annual volume. According to recent data, motorcycle exports from India surged by an impressive 27% compared to 2024 shipments, reaching a total of 4.3 million units. This figure represents a fresh post-pandemic peak, underscoring the resilience and growth of the country's automotive industry on the global stage.
Historical Context and Growth Trajectory
In the pre-pandemic era spanning from 2017 to 2019, India's motorcycle exports were on a steady upward path. Starting at 2.3 million units in 2017, they climbed to 3.1 million units by 2019, which was the previous peak before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted international trade in 2020. Although exports experienced a brief dip during the initial pandemic year, they rebounded robustly in 2021, quickly surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Despite some fluctuations in the intervening years, the momentum continued, culminating in the record 4.3 million units exported in 2025. This achievement marks a substantial increase of nearly 40% over the 2019 pre-pandemic peak, highlighting the sector's remarkable recovery and expansion.
Key Drivers Behind the Export Surge
Poonam Upadhyay, director at Crisil Ratings, attributed this strong performance to a combination of India's competitive manufacturing capabilities and a well-established global distribution network. "A combination of India's competitive manufacturing capabilities and a well-established global distribution network has enabled the country's motorcycle exports to maintain strong growth momentum," she noted. The robust export figures were fueled by healthy demand from multiple emerging markets across the globe.
- Latin America: This region stood out as a significant contributor, with countries like Colombia and Brazil leading the charge.
- Africa: Remaining a crucial market, Nigeria emerged as a key destination for Indian motorcycles.
- Asia: Markets such as Nepal and the Philippines provided additional support, further boosting export volumes.
Improved foreign currency availability in key regions like Latin America and Africa also played a vital role in facilitating this growth. Additionally, stronger penetration into overseas markets and a widening export basket by leading industry players have been instrumental in driving the rise.
Dominance of Major Players
In 2025, two major companies dominated India's motorcycle export landscape. Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor together accounted for approximately 72% of the total exports, with Bajaj Auto holding a 43% share and TVS Motor contributing 29%. Specifically, Bajaj Auto's motorcycle exports grew from 1.6 million units in 2024 to 1.9 million units in 2025, while TVS Motor's shipments increased from 0.9 million units to 1.3 million units during the same period. This dominance underscores the pivotal role these manufacturers play in India's export success.
Domestic Market Contrast
While exports reached new heights, it is noteworthy that domestic motorcycle volumes in India remained below their earlier highs. This contrast highlights the shifting dynamics within the industry, where international demand has become a primary growth driver, complementing the domestic market's performance.
Overall, the record-breaking export numbers in 2025 reflect India's strengthening position in the global motorcycle market, driven by strategic expansions, competitive advantages, and robust demand from diverse international regions.
