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
Punjab, the “Granary of India,” is famous for its agricultural prowess, but its export potential goes far beyond just wheat and rice. For a budding entrepreneur, the state offers a goldmine of manufacturing and processing opportunities. The secret to cracking the international market with low investment isn’t competing with the giants in bulk rice exports; it’s about niche products, value addition, and district-level expertise.
By focusing on “small-batch” exports and high-quality branding, you can start a global business from Punjab with an investment ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹4 lakh.
Central Punjab is the industrial backbone of the state. These districts are perfect for merchant exporters who want to source locally and sell to global boutiques.
The Products: Cotton T-shirts, premium knitwear, winter caps, and fashion scarves.
The Niche: Big factories in Ludhiana chase massive orders from global brands. As a small exporter, you can target independent foreign labels that need smaller, high-quality batches (Private Labeling).
Investment: ₹1 – ₹4 Lakh.
The Products: Yoga mats, gym gloves, resistance bands, and protective gear.
Why it works: Everyone exports footballs and cricket bats. There is much less competition in fitness accessories, which are lighter to ship and have a massive growing market in Europe and North America.
Investment: ₹1 – ₹3 Lakh.
The Products: Handcrafted Punjabi Juttis, embroidered leather sandals, and ethnic accessories.
Market Insight: Traditional footwear is highly prized by the Indian diaspora and global “boho-chic” fashion enthusiasts.
Investment: ₹80,000 – ₹3 Lakh.
Punjab’s fertile soil provides the best raw materials. The key is to process them so they have a longer shelf life and higher profit margins.
Patiala (Phulkari & Textiles): Focus on Phulkari-embroidered cushion covers and table runners rather than just suits. Home décor is a high-margin niche in the USA and UK.
Sangrur (Processed Grains): Instead of raw wheat, export organic wheat flour or ready-to-cook multigrain mixes. Health-conscious buyers in the Gulf and Europe pay a premium for “clean-label” food.
Moga (Dairy Ingredients): Moga is a dairy giant. Instead of fresh milk, focus on milk powder trading or clarified butter (Ghee) alternatives for the global food industry.
Investment Range: ₹60,000 – ₹4 Lakh.
The Shivalik foothills provide unique resources that are often overlooked by large-scale exporters.
Gurdaspur (Wellness): Medicinal herbs and herbal powders. The global “Ayurveda” trend makes this a safe entry point for small exporters.
Pathankot (Woodcraft): Wooden utility items like spoons, small décor pieces, and eco-friendly kitchenware. These are high-demand “plastic-free” alternatives in the West.
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2.5 Lakh.
Western districts excel in hardy crops. Processing these reduces the risk of spoilage during long sea voyages.
Fazilka & Ferozepur: Dehydrated onion and garlic flakes or powders. These are “safe” exports because they don’t rot like fresh vegetables and are essential ingredients for global food manufacturers.
Bathinda: Small-batch mustard oil and natural food ingredients. Specialty oils are currently trending in the global “gourmet cooking” segment.
Investment: ₹80,000 – ₹4 Lakh.
Value Addition: Never export raw produce if you can export a processed version (e.g., export garlic powder instead of raw garlic).
Merchant Exporting: You don’t need a factory. Source from a local cluster, focus on premium packaging, and handle the marketing.
The “Punjab” Brand: Use the rich cultural identity of Punjab in your storytelling. Global buyers love products with a “story” and “heritage.”
Small Trial Shipments: Start with LCL (Less than Container Load) or air courier to test the market demand before scaling.
Target Niche Buyers: Look for specialized distributors or online sellers on platforms like Etsy and Amazon Global.
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 &..