How to Start Export Import Business
How to Start Export Import Business Benefits of Joining Our Export Import Training Program Get Trained by Real Exporter..
Harsh Dhawan
Maharashtra is the economic engine of India, contributing significantly to the nation’s total exports. While big players dominate the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, the real opportunity for new entrepreneurs lies in micro-niches and value-added products.
By shifting your focus from bulk commodities to district-specific, high-quality goods, you can start a global trade venture with an investment as low as ₹50,000. This guide breaks down the best low-investment export business ideas from Maharashtra, district by district.
Western Maharashtra is rich in agriculture and leather, but the secret to low competition is “lifestyle” and “health” branding.
The Products: Handmade leather journals, slim card holders, premium belts, and lifestyle accessories.
Why it works: While the world knows Kolhapuri Chappals, the global market for minimalist leather stationery and accessories is underserved by local artisans.
Investment: ₹1–3 Lakh.
The Products (Sangli): Retail-packed turmeric powder and herbal turmeric blends (latte mixes).
The Products (Satara): Natural jaggery cubes and millet-based healthy snacks.
Why it works: Raw turmeric and bulk sugar are crowded markets. Processed, chemical-free wellness products fetch 3x the margin in European and US markets.
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakh.
The Konkan coast is famous for its produce, but fresh fruit exports involve high risk. The “low-investment” win is in dehydration and by-products.
The Products: Dried Alphonso slices, “Mango Leather” (premium Aam Papad), and flavored cashew packs.
Why it works: Processed products remove the “perishable” risk of fresh mangoes. Mango seed butter is also a rising cosmetic raw material in the West.
Investment: ₹80,000 – ₹3 Lakh.
Vidarbha is traditionally known for its oranges and cotton, but new exporters are finding success in “waste-to-wealth” products.
The Products (Nagpur): Dehydrated orange peel and citrus essential oils.
The Products (Amravati): Organic cotton tote bags and eco-friendly fabric packaging.
Why it works: Citrus peels are in high demand for the global tea and cosmetic industries. Meanwhile, the global ban on single-use plastics has made cotton packaging a goldmine.
Investment: ₹70,000 – ₹3 Lakh.
The Products: Handmade paper diaries and eco-friendly gift boxes.
Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh.
These regions face water challenges, making “dehydrated” and “shelf-stable” products the smartest export choice.
Aurangabad: Dehydrated onion flakes and onion powder. This solves the price volatility of fresh onions.
Jalna: Ready-to-cook millet mixes. With 2023 being the International Year of Millets, the global “Gluten-Free” market is booming.
Nashik: Grape seed powder and natural wine vinegar (non-alcoholic). These are premium ingredients for the health and culinary sectors.
Dhule: Retail-branded organic pulse blends.
If you don’t want to manufacture, the Mumbai-Pune belt is the best place to be a “Merchant Exporter.”
Mumbai: Focus on Private-Label goods. Source unbranded items (like fashion jewelry or organic tea) and sell them under your own brand on Amazon Global.
Pune: Small auto-spare kits or precision components for small-scale international workshops that prefer flexible, small-batch suppliers over giant factories.
Stop Selling Raw Materials: Don’t export raw turmeric; export “Immunity Booster Turmeric Tea.” Value addition is the only way to avoid price wars.
Start as a Merchant Exporter: You don’t need a factory. Partner with local farmers or artisans. Your job is quality control and branding.
Target Niche Buyers: Don’t try to sell to Walmart. Find boutique owners, organic stores, or specialty importers who value quality over low prices.
Trial Shipments: Use air courier for your first 50kg. It’s faster, requires less paperwork, and helps you validate the market without high risk.
How to Start Export Import Business Benefits of Joining Our Export Import Training Program Get Trained by Real Exporter..
Import Export Course Benefits of Joining Our Export Import Training Program Get Trained by Real Exporter & Importer Start..
How to Start Export Business Benefits of Joining Our Export Import Training Program Get Trained by Real Exporter &..