Indore SEZ Exports Defy Global Headwinds with Robust 10.46% Growth
Exports from the multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Indore have demonstrated remarkable resilience, registering a significant increase of over 10 percent during the last financial year. This growth occurred against a backdrop of considerable global trade disruptions, highlighting the strength of the region's export-oriented sectors.
Export Figures Show Sustained Momentum
Official data reveals that exports from the Indore SEZ reached Rs 14,302.25 crore in the 2025-26 financial year. This represents a substantial rise from Rs 12,948.02 crore recorded in the previous year, translating to a growth rate of 10.46 percent. When including Information Technology SEZs, the overall cumulative exports for the region touched an impressive Rs 18,686.35 crore during the same period.
A development commissioner's office official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the significance of this achievement. "The growth reflects resilience in key export-oriented sectors. Despite disruptions in global trade routes and rising logistics costs, units in the SEZ have managed to sustain growth," the official stated.
Pharmaceuticals Lead Export Charge
The pharmaceutical sector continues to be the dominant force within the SEZ, accounting for nearly 70 percent of total outbound shipments. The United States remains a primary importer of medicines manufactured in the Indore region, underscoring the global reach of these products.
The zone currently houses approximately 59 operational units across diverse sectors, creating a robust and diversified export base. Key industries represented include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering
- Textiles
- Food Processing
- Plastics
Global Challenges and IT Sector Performance
The global trade environment remained volatile throughout the financial year. The escalation of conflict in West Asia following attacks on Iran in late February impacted global energy supplies and disrupted critical shipping routes. These developments affected export-import cycles and increased freight costs for Indian exporters operating in international markets.
Despite these challenges, the Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (IT/ITES) segment posted steady growth. Exports from IT units rose to Rs 4,384.10 crore from Rs 4,038.61 crore in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 8.55 percent.
Indore-based firms continue to rely heavily on the United States as their largest market, but are actively expanding into Europe and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion aligns with global enterprises accelerating their adoption of cloud computing, cybersecurity measures, and artificial intelligence-driven modernization.
Individual Unit Performance and Expert Insights
Among individual exporting units, several notable performances emerged:
- Infosys recorded exports of Rs 992.92 crore, representing a substantial 21.52 percent increase.
- Impetus Infotech saw a sharp jump of 46.11 percent to reach Rs 838.07 crore.
- TCS reported marginal growth of 2.23 percent at Rs 1,889.08 crore.
- Yash Technologies maintained largely stable export figures.
- Crystal IT Park experienced a decline in exports of approximately 19.37 percent.
Nilesh Maheshwari, an IT professional based in Indore, commented on the sector's trajectory. "This rise in IT exports is driven by steady ecosystem-building rather than a one-time spike. With strong demand in AI, cybersecurity and enterprise tech, Indore is well positioned for the next phase, including attracting more global capability centers," he observed.
Industry experts note that tier-2 centers like Indore are increasingly emerging as innovation-driven digital hubs. These locations are making significant contributions to India's global IT footprint, even as manufacturing exports remain sensitive to ongoing global disruptions and supply chain challenges.
