India’s Mission to Become a Global Leader in Plastics: Aiming for 4X Export Growth
- India’s share in the $1.3 trillion global plastic market is just $12.5 billion
- Target to quadruple exports within the next three years
- Over 50,000 MSMEs, 4.6 million jobs, and exports to 125 countries – India’s strength
- International conferences in Ahmedabad and Mumbai; ‘PlastiWorld’ exhibition to open global doors
Ahmedabad: India is poised to take a decisive leap in the global plastic trade. Under the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World,” The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) has announced an ambitious strategy to boost the Export of Plastics finished products by four times over next three years.
This was announced at a Press conference held in New Delhi by Mr. Arvind Mehta, Chairman of AIPMA’s Governing Council. “This is not just an expansion of trade,” he said, “it is a National Mission to position India as a global plastics hub.”
Mr. Arvind Mehta highlighted that while the global trade in finished plastic goods stands at approximately $1.3 trillion, India’s share is only $12.5 billion – a mere 1.2% of the total. For instance, the United States alone imports plastic products worth $72.35 billion, but India contributes only 1.2% to that volume. This growth can catalyze the setup of 2–3 new polymer plants, 100% expansion in plastic machinery and ancillary units, and a surge in MSME-led manufacturing. More entrepreneurs will join, boosting jobs and skill demand. Timely Government of India support is crucial. Insights from China’s Canton Fair show how strategic policy can transform exports.
The plastic industry in India is largely MSME-driven. With over 50,000 operational units nationwide, the sector employs around 4.6 million people directly and indirectly. According to AIPMA, if the export targets are achieved, employment opportunities could increase to 6 million.
AIPMA President Mr. Manoj R. Shah stated, “This is not just about trade; it’s about empowering lakhs of MSMEs, generating employment across the country, and transforming India into a global centre for finished plastic products.”
He added that AIPMA’s Export Cell analysed 21 countries with 9 HSN codes showing our finished plastic product exports v/s China v/s Vietnam. The highlighting point is that India is exporting 1.2% of finished plastic products v/s 22% of China & 4% of Vietnam in many countries. Our study of 21 countries include USA, China, Germany, Mexico, France, Italy, UK, Canada, Poland, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Spain, Belgium, UAE, Brazil, Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya & Nigeria and 9 HSN code chapters 39/56/63/85/87/90/94/95/96.
The Study was held over a 14-month period between 2021 and 2023. The study concluded that India holds strong potential to replace countries like China and Vietnam – particularly by offering competitive quality and pricing.
To accelerate this mission, AIPMA has organised three major international conferences in 2025 – the first conference was held in Delhi on July 17, 2025, the second in Ahmedabad on August 22, 2025 and the third in Mumbai on September 17, 2025.
These gatherings will bring together Exporters, Policymakers, Global buyers, and Trade experts on one platform to foster strategy, networking, and collaboration.
Additionally, by the end of the year, AIPMA will launch PlastiWorld 2026 Exhibition to be held from 23rd March to 26th March 2026 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai India. India’s first International Exhibition exclusively dedicated to Plastics finished products. From household goods to Health, medical, automotive, and sports plastics, a wide range of products will be showcased to global buyers.
AIPMA’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Excellence Centre (AMTEC) is actively Training and Upskilling India’s young talents in areas such as prototyping, tool design, and product innovation. In partnership with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), AIPMA is laying the foundation for a competitive, trustworthy, and innovation-driven export ecosystem.
India’s plastic industry is no longer just about manufacturing – it is emerging as a symbol of quality, innovation, and global confidence. With the right strategy, robust government support, and entrepreneurial spirit, India is moving rapidly toward becoming the “Vishwaguru of Plastics.”
