India's Manufacturing Sector Shows Diversification with Rise in Exports of Diesel Locomotives, Electronic Components and Wireless Speakers

India's Export Basket Diversifies into High-Growth Products

India's export basket is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing number of high-growth products emerging as key contributors to the country's outbound shipments. A comprehensive analysis of commerce ministry data by Moneycontrol reveals that export categories such as diesel-electric locomotives, arabica coffee, printed circuit boards, and wireless speakers have recorded substantial increases over the past year.

Among the standout performers are diesel-electric locomotives, whose exports surged to $107.18 million in FY26 from just $0.95 million in the previous fiscal, representing a staggering 11,300% increase. Arabica coffee exports also witnessed a significant surge, rising from $0.53 million to $18.27 million. Populated printed circuit boards jumped from $79.43 million to $1.61 billion, while shipments of true wireless stereo sound devices increased more than sixfold to $202.26 million.

A total of nearly one-fifth of India's export categories have more than doubled over the last year, with the value of these fast-growing segments rising to over $40 billion in FY26 from $17 billion in FY25. The surge in electronics exports highlights India's growing integration into global manufacturing supply chains.

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Besides printed circuit boards, exports of OLED components for mobile devices climbed from $30.64 million to $259.18 million, while exports of mounted printed circuit boards crossed $188 million. Exports of transmission apparatus incorporating reception devices more than doubled to $62.14 million.

Automobile and mobility-related exports also recorded strong momentum, with motor car exports rising from $77.97 million to $701.78 million, and scooter exports more than tripling to $14.51 million. Exports of railway maintenance and service vehicles tripled to $43.12 million.

Engineering and capital goods exports showed broad-based strength, with exports of dredgers climbing from $158.88 million to $596.34 million, while industrial robots more than tripled to $6.18 million. Machinery used for liquefying air and gases increased to $248.53 million.

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Agricultural and food exports witnessed significant diversification, with wheat exports surging more than sevenfold to $10.23 million, while quinoa exports more than doubled. Coffee-based preparations climbed more than fourfold, and black tea exports more than doubled. Exports of sardines, shrimp and prawns, citrus fruits, and shallots also recorded triple-digit growth.

The data suggests that India's manufacturing ecosystem is gradually moving beyond traditional export pillars such as petroleum products and gems and jewellery toward electronics, transport equipment, specialized engineering products, and higher-value industrial goods. The shift also reflects growing participation by Indian manufacturers in global value chains linked to electronics, mobility, and industrial machinery, sectors that are increasingly driving the next phase of export growth.