International Trade – NDA Geography Notes

Introduction

International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries. A country exports goods it produces in surplus and imports goods it needs but cannot produce sufficiently.

India’s trade has grown enormously since the 1991 economic reforms. NDA tests this chapter lightly — mainly through port-related questions (covered in Chapter 12) and a few facts about India’s major exports and imports.

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India’s Major Exports

India exports a wide range of goods. Key exports include:

• Engineering goods — largest export category
• Petroleum products — refined oil exported
• Gems and jewellery — India is world’s largest diamond polishing centre
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals — India is major pharma exporter
• Textiles and garments
• Iron ore — from Odisha, Goa, Karnataka
• Tea, coffee, spices — agricultural exports
• Software and IT services — India’s largest service export

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India’s Major Imports

• Crude petroleum — India imports about 80% of its oil needs
• Capital goods — machinery and equipment
• Electronics
• Gold and silver
• Fertilisers and chemicals

Understand the Topic

Important Trade Facts

95% of India’s trade by volume is through maritime (sea) transport. [NDA tested via CDS]

Mormugao Port handles iron ore exports to Japan. [NDA tested via CDS]

Paradeep Port exports iron ore. [NDA 2008-I]

Kandla (Deendayal Port) = tidal port; major import/export hub for northwest India.

JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) = India’s largest container port; it handles most of India’s containerised cargo.