Export Profile of Uttarakhand  :

In a dynamic economy both imports and exports play an important role in stimulating production and generating employment. An export is indispensible for the growth of an economy of the nation in general and state in particular as it leads to the earning of valuable foreign exchange which helps in the growth and development of an economy. In recent years, productivity and production of herbal and medicinal plants and their trade in the state have been increased drastically. In addition, in the hill regions of Uttarakhand are having advantage to produce agro-based product e.g. herbs, fruits, frozen tulsi, fruit juices, and jams, handicraft products and wooden items which are highly demanded at national level and abroad.

In 2014-15, Uttarakhand’s exports stood at Rs. 52252.57 Million as compared to Rs. 30042.56 Million in 2013-14. It seems to be a high jump in the exports of Uttarakhand during this period. Exports to foreign countries increased by 194.83 percent and to other States by 64.52 percent. This looks encouraging but there is a need for caution and data need to be further explored. As a percentage of GSDP exports are in the range of 2-3% which is quite small. In relation to India exports from Uttarakhand form a very low value of less than 1 percent. But this also indicates a high potential of Uttarakhand’s economy to boost its exports.

Country wise Exports from Uttarakhand :

Singapore was Uttarakhand’s largest export partner, with an average share of 14.98 per cent in Uttarakhand total export during the last two years. The U.S.A was the second largest importer (13.25%), followed by the Nepal and Russia. The destination of Uttarakhand exports has changed in last five years. However top destination countries for Uttarakhand Exports more or less same during the last two years except for some minor change in the position relatively. These top ten countries has a share of more the 60 percent of total exports from Uttarakhand.

Major Region wise Export from Uttarakhand :

The Asia & Pacific has been the top export destinations for the last two years with more than 40 percent average share in total Uttarakhand export. Africa marginally exceeded North America in terms of value of export to stand at the second position, though both the region has a share of more than 25 percent of the total exports from the state. The other major export destinations take account of Europe (8.54%), Commonwealth of Independent States (7.89%), and Arab States (7.75%), where the figure in bracket show the region’s average share in total Uttarakhand export during the years 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Zone-wise Exports from Uttarakhand :

India’s has been divided in to six major zone covering the entire states and Union Territories. North-Central zone is the largest importer with the average share of 35.74 percent of the goods from the state of Uttarakhand during the year 2013-14 and 2014-15, followed by Northern zone (25.64%) and Western zone (15.70%). However North- Eastern zone found the lowest average share (2.82%) during the same period. It was due to the lack of proper connectivity between the Uttarakhnad state and North-Eastern Zone.

State-wise Exports from Uttarakhand :

Within the country exports of Uttarakhand are sent to various destinations, virtually covering every state of India. However certain states and regions do dominate in the destination of exports of Uttarakhand. U.P. (18%), Delhi (11%), Haryana (10.8%), Maharashtra (9.5 %%), Punjab (6.9%), Gujarat (5.4%) and West Bengal (4.5%) are the major export destinations of Uttarakhand. A similar picture emerges if the states are grouped into regional zones

State-wise Tax Earning :

The state of Uttarakhand is exporting various goods to almost all the states in India, particularly pharmaceutical, herbs and ayurvedic medicines. However there is no tax charged by the government of Uttarakhand on the goods which are exported abroad. But if the goods export to other states within India, it comes under the purview of the Vat/Sale Tax according the rate as prescribed by the Commercial Tax Department, Government of Uttarakhand.

                         The economy of Uttarakhand is well diversified in terms of destinations of exports. Its exports as is evident from the above tables go to a vast number of countries outside India. Within India too export of commodities is to a number of states. There is a close correspondence between the destinations of exports and the tax earnings. Of course certain regions occupy a higher share in the exports and tax earnings. A more complete analysis would require data on commodity wise destination of exports and for more years. However, it can be said that Uttarakhand has high potential in exports of a number of commodities both agricultural and industrial. Medium term and long term policies are needed to actualise the export potential.