Kerala’s Export-Driven Future: Top Products, Ports, and Policies to Watch

Introduction

Kerala, a state with a rich maritime legacy and globally recognized commodities, is steadily transitioning into a major export-driven economy. With infrastructure upgrades, proactive trade policies, and sector-specific development, Kerala is leveraging its strengths in agriculture, marine resources, Ayurveda, and manufacturing to expand its presence in global markets.

This blog explores the top products propelling Kerala’s export economy, the key ports facilitating international trade, and the progressive policies shaping its export-driven future in 2025 and beyond.

1. Kerala’s Export Landscape in 2025: An Overview

• Kerala contributes ~10% of India’s total export value in spices, seafood, and Ayurveda.

• The state's export earnings crossed ₹70,000 crore in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year.

• Key destinations: UAE, USA, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

• The Kerala Export Promotion Council (KEPC) is expanding e-market access for MSMEs and agri-producers.

2. Top Export Products from Kerala

🐟 1. Marine Products

• Contribution: ~₹20,000 crore annually

• Top exports: Frozen shrimp, cuttlefish, squid, and sardines

• Markets: USA, China, EU, and Middle East

• Supporting bodies: Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Seafood Exporters Association of India

🌶️ 2. Spices

• GI-tagged products: Malabar Pepper, Alleppey Green Cardamom, Munnar Ginger

• Top exports: Black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, ginger

• Markets: EU, USA, Canada, Malaysia

• Key export centers: Idukki, Wayanad, and Ernakulam

🌿 3. Ayurveda and Herbal Products

• Rising global demand for preventive wellness solutions

• Major exports: Ayurvedic formulations, herbal teas, essential oils, nutraceuticals

• Notable brands: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, AVN Ayurveda, Pankajakasthuri

• Market: GCC, Europe, and Southeast Asia

🧪 4. Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

• Thriving biotech ecosystem in Thiruvananthapuram Life Sciences Park

• Exports include: Nutraceuticals, diagnostics kits, ayur-biotech hybrids

• Partnerships with WHO-prequalified pharma units for African markets

🧵 5. Coir and Handicrafts

• Kerala is the largest coir producer in India

• Products: Geo-textiles, mats, ropes, tufted carpets

• Export destinations: USA, Germany, Japan, Australia

• Supported by Coir Board of India, headquartered in Kochi

🛶 6. Boat Building and Marine Equipment

• Traditional know-how now merged with fiberglass, solar-powered boats

• Export markets: Maldives, Africa, and island economies

• Kochi is becoming a hub for solar-electric boat manufacturing

🍍 7. Processed Fruits and Spices

• Products: Banana chips, jackfruit-based foods, coconut oil, nutmeg preserves

• New entrant: Ready-to-eat Kerala meals and packaged curries

• Export format: Air-freighted fresh produce + shelf-stable export boxes

3. Key Ports Powering Kerala’s Export Economy

⚓ 1. Vizhinjam International Seaport (Thiruvananthapuram)

• Deepest natural seaport in India

• Can handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)

• Transshipment potential rivals Colombo and Singapore

• To be fully operational by late 2025

⚓ 2. Cochin Port

• Fully mechanized, with LNG and bulk cargo terminals

• Home to Vallarpadam ICTT (India’s first transshipment terminal)

• Supports seafood, spices, pharma, and petrochemical exports

⚓ 3. Beypore Port (Kozhikode)

• Specializes in cargo related to the Malabar region

• Focus on wooden crafts, coir, and passenger movement to the Middle East

⚓ 4. Azhikkal and Kollam Ports

• Now being upgraded under the Kerala Maritime Board

• Planned for small-scale exports, coastal shipping, and inland waterways

4. Logistics and Multimodal Connectivity

Kerala is building multimodal logistics to accelerate exports:

• NH-66 expansion enables faster port-to-factory access

• Inland Waterway NW-3 connects Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Kochi via cargo ferries

• Freight rail links to industrial zones in Palakkad and Coimbatore

• Development of logistics parks and cold chains in Ernakulam and Palakkad

5. Policy Support for Export Promotion

🏛️ Key Schemes and Agencies:

• Kerala Industrial and Export Promotion Policy (2023):

  • 25% subsidy on freight costs for exporters

  • Interest subvention on pre-shipment credit

  • Export infrastructure grants via KSIDC and KINFRA

    
    

• Niryat Bandhu Scheme:

  • Mentorship for first-time exporters via DGFT and KIED

  
  

• Market Access Initiatives (MAI):

  • Support for trade expos, digital marketing, and GI branding abroad

  
  

• ONDC and Kerala e-Marketplace integration for small exporters

  
  

• Export Facilitation Centers at Cochin SEZ and Technopark campuses

6. Kerala’s Green Export Strategy

With sustainability being central to Kerala’s development model, the state is encouraging:

• Eco-friendly packaging for seafood and spices

• Zero-waste supply chains

• Support for green-certified exporters through special incentives

• Coir geo-textiles and biodegradable mats for climate adaptation projects globally

7. Role of NRIs and Diaspora in Kerala’s Export Ecosystem

• NRI investors are increasingly setting up export-focused MSMEs

• Gulf returnees creating demand-supply linkages with Middle Eastern markets

  
  

• NORKA Business Facilitation Centers offering legal and financial support for diaspora-driven export ventures

8. Future Outlook: Kerala as India’s West Coast Export Hub

Kerala is on track to:

• Increase export revenue by 20% annually till 2030

• Expand its global footprint in wellness, biotech, and agri-value chains

• Emerge as a transshipment and seafood hub of South Asia

• Leverage its ports, policies, and diaspora to position itself as a West Coast trade engine

Conclusion

Kerala is no longer just exporting its culture and spices — it’s exporting innovation, wellness, and sustainable value. With its ports undergoing modernization, products gaining global recognition, and policies aligning with the needs of exporters, Kerala is primed for a bold export-led economic future.

For investors, producers, and traders, Kerala offers a rare mix of global connectivity, heritage expertise, and policy support. As we move deeper into 2025 and beyond, watch Kerala rise from a regional powerhouse to a global trade leader.