According to the Government of India, India’s exports of AYUSH and herbal products increased by 6.11% in 2024–25, rising from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million. The growth comes as the country continues to strengthen export promotion, regulatory support and international market access for traditional medicine and wellness products.
Steady Growth in AYUSH Exports
India’s exports of AYUSH and herbal products increased by approximately USD 39.69 million between 2023–24 and 2024–25, representing year-on-year growth of 6.11%.
These figures were highlighted during the fourth anniversary of the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) in New Delhi on January 4, 2026. The council was established to promote India’s traditional medicine and wellness products in international markets.
The Ministry of Ayush has also highlighted the reported increase of approximately 6.1%, reflecting continued growth in international trade within the sector.
What Is Driving the Growth?
According to the government, AYUSHEXCIL has introduced several initiatives to support exporters and strengthen India’s presence in international markets.
These include capacity-building programmes for exporters, guidance on export procedures and regulatory compliance, business-to-business meetings, international exhibitions, seminars and outreach activities in overseas markets.
These measures aim to help businesses in the AYUSH and herbal-products sector understand international requirements and identify opportunities beyond the domestic market.
The increase in exports also comes as India seeks greater international recognition for traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy.
Trade Agreements Recognise AYUSH
Another development supporting the internationalisation of India’s traditional medicine sector is the inclusion of AYUSH-related provisions in bilateral trade agreements.
The Government of India has highlighted the inclusion of provisions relating to Indian traditional medicine systems in the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These agreements contain provisions relating to health services and traditional medicine.
Such provisions may create opportunities for international cooperation and improve market-access prospects for Indian businesses and service providers.
However, recognition within a trade agreement does not mean that all AYUSH products or services can automatically enter a foreign market without meeting that country’s regulatory, safety, quality and registration requirements.
Role of the Ayush Export Promotion Council
AYUSHEXCIL plays an important role in the government’s efforts to increase exports from the AYUSH sector.
The council was registered as a Section 8 company with the Registrar of Companies, New Delhi, on January 4, 2022. It was formally launched in April 2022 during the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade subsequently notified it as the Nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector.
The council functions in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush and with support from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Its activities include helping exporters build capacity, understand regulatory requirements and connect with international buyers through exhibitions, business meetings and other market-development initiatives.
Why Export Growth Matters
Export growth is significant not only in terms of trade value but also because international markets require products and businesses to meet specific regulatory and quality standards.
Higher exports may create opportunities for manufacturers, herbal-product companies, exporters, service providers and other businesses associated with India’s AYUSH and wellness industry.
The growth also highlights the importance of quality assurance, scientific documentation, regulatory compliance and reliable product information.
These factors are relevant to the broader effort to expand the international presence of Indian traditional medicine systems.
Access to Global Markets and Quality Standards
Quality standards and certification are important considerations as the AYUSH sector expands internationally.
The government has also highlighted efforts to strengthen quality and certification frameworks for AYUSH products. These initiatives aim to build confidence in Indian traditional medicine and wellness products and help businesses navigate international markets.
However, export growth should not be interpreted as evidence that every AYUSH product has demonstrated clinical effectiveness for a particular health condition. Export figures measure the value of products traded internationally and do not, by themselves, establish the medical effectiveness of individual products.
Opportunities for the AYUSH Industry
The latest export figures may be of particular interest to companies seeking to expand internationally.
Businesses in Ayurveda, herbal products and other AYUSH segments may benefit from improved market-access opportunities, international trade events and initiatives designed to support exporters.
Companies entering overseas markets must continue to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of their target countries. Requirements may differ significantly depending on whether a product is classified as a medicine, traditional medicine, food, cosmetic, supplement or another category.
India’s Expanding Global Traditional Medicine Presence
The increase in AYUSH and herbal-product exports forms part of India’s broader effort to expand the international presence of its traditional medicine systems.
The government has pursued international cooperation, research, quality standards and market-development initiatives to position AYUSH within the global traditional-medicine landscape.
The challenge for the industry will be to convert growing international interest into sustainable trade while maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance and credible evidence.
Conclusion
India’s exports of AYUSH and herbal products increased by 6.11%, reaching USD 688.89 million in 2024–25, compared with USD 649.2 million in 2023–24. The government has highlighted export-support initiatives, international outreach and market-access efforts as part of the sector’s development.
With AYUSH-related provisions appearing in bilateral trade agreements and export-support mechanisms continuing to evolve, the sector may have further opportunities in international markets. Sustaining this growth will depend on product quality, regulatory compliance, responsible market expansion and continued efforts to build international confidence in India’s traditional medicine products and services.
