Ahmedabad: Despite global tariff-related headwinds, Ahmedabad district has crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore export milestone for the first time, posting exports worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY 2025-26. The district added nearly Rs 8,000 crore in export value over FY25. Experts said a diversified manufacturing base and currency depreciation were among factors responsible.Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) data places Ahmedabad fifth among India’s top exporting districts in FY26. Exports rose from Rs 97,752 crore in FY 2024-25 to Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY26, led by pharmaceuticals, automobiles, dyes and chemicals, alongside steady engineering and textile shipments.The milestone comes as Gujarat retained its position as India’s biggest exporting state, accounting for 25.57% of the country’s total exports in FY26. Ahmedabad contributed 10.75% of Gujarat’s total exports, emerging as the state’s second-largest exporting district. Nationally, Jamnagar retained the No-1 spot with exports of Rs 3.22 lakh crore. Surat and Kutch also featured in the national top 10, underscoring Gujarat’s strength across petroleum products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and chemicals.Rahul Singh, joint director at DGFT, said, “Ahmedabad stood fifth in the country with Rs 1.05 lakh crore exports in 2025-26, which was Rs 97,752 crore in 2024-25. Ahmedabad has a strong export presence in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, dyes, chemicals, cotton fabric and made ups, machinery for dairy, engine and parts, rice (other than basmati), products of iron and steel, among others.”Singh pointed to the state’s broader export footprint across multiple districts. “Gujarat has four districts among the national top 10 in terms of exports. Bharuch ranks 11th across the country. The state has a vast coastline and well-established infrastructure, which plays a major role in the growth of manufacturing and exports,” he said.Apurva Shah, vice president of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said Ahmedabad’s breadth of industries helped it sustain growth amid trade uncertainty. “Gujarat has been at the top in the country’s exports and now we have five districts among the top 11 nationally. Ahmedabad has a diversified industrial manufacturing profile with multiple sectors contributing significantly,” Shah said.In dollar terms, Ahmedabad’s exports were largely flat at $11,888 million in FY26 compared with $11,956 million in FY25, though higher than $11,161 million in FY24, indicating the rupee-value rise was partly driven by depreciation.
