India's Top 10 Imports: An In-Depth Analysis of Major Imported Products

Anam seair
Sep 2
4 min read

India’s import sector is a key driver of the nation’s economic growth. With an ever-expanding demand for goods and services that cannot be produced locally, India continues to import a wide variety of products from different parts of the world. From precious metals to machinery and electronics, these imports contribute to the growth of various industries in India. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the top 10 imports in India, the major items imported by India, and the most significant countries from which India imports these products.

India Import Data Overview

India’s import business is broader in scope and often more profitable than its export sector. According to recent Indian import data, the country’s import value in 2023–24 amounted to USD 675.44 billion, representing a 5.66% decline compared to the previous year. Key imports to India include mineral fuels, precious metals and gems, machinery, and organic chemicals. To get precise data and insights into India’s imports, businesses rely on import export data providers, such as Seair Exim Solutions, to gather accurate and up-to-date information about trade transactions.

Top 10 Major Imports in India

India imports a range of products, some of which are essential to support its growing infrastructure and technological advancements. Here are India's top 10 imports based on value:

Mineral Fuels, Oils, and Distillation Products: Total import value of $ 217.94 billion. These are the largest imports of India, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s overall imports. Petroleum and petroleum products are essential for energy and transportation needs.
Pearls, Precious Stones, Metals, Coins: Total import value $89.44 billion. India has a rich tradition of jewelry, and the demand for precious metals, especially gold and diamonds, drives this high import value.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment: Total import value $83.47 billion. Electronics have become a staple in modern-day India, with demand for gadgets and electrical equipment on the rise. The import from China to India contributes significantly to this sector.
Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, and Boilers: Total import value $60.76 billion. Heavy machinery is vital for India's manufacturing and construction industries, and most of it is imported from countries like China, Japan, and Germany.
Organic Chemicals: Total import value $25.65 billion. These chemicals are necessary for industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture.
Plastics: Total import value $21.61billion. Despite initiatives to reduce plastic usage, the demand for plastic products in India remains high, especially in packaging, household goods, and electronics.
Iron and Steel: Total import value $17.42 billion. The import of steel to India is essential to meet the growing demands of the construction and automotive industries.
Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils: Total import value $16.75 billion. Edible oils are one of the main imports of India due to the large-scale consumption of these products across the country.
Optical, Photo, Technical, and Medical Apparatus: Total import value $13.50 billion. India imports a variety of high-tech medical devices, equipment, and instruments to meet the demands of its growing healthcare sector.
Copper: Total import value $10.33 billion. Copper is an essential raw material used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and other industries. The import of copper to India plays a critical role in the country’s industrial growth.

India’s Top Import Countries

India main imports goods from a diverse group of nations across the globe. The top 10 import countries for India include:

China
United States
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Iraq
Switzerland
Hong Kong
South Korea
Indonesia
Singapore

Among these, China is the largest importer of goods to India, providing a range of products, from electronics and machinery to plastic products and chemicals.

Major Imports of India from Specific Countries

India's imports in India span various industries, and its relationship with countries like China, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and others plays a significant role in ensuring a steady supply of essential commodities. Here's a closer look at the major imports of India from which countries:

Import from China to India: India relies heavily on imports from China, especially for electronics, electrical machinery, and plastics.
Import from the United States: India sources high-value products like machinery, organic chemicals, and medical equipment from the United States, and also gets USA import data.
Import from Saudi Arabia and Iraq: These countries are significant sources of petroleum and petroleum products, which account for a large chunk of India's import needs.
Import from Switzerland: India imports precious metals and gemstones from Switzerland, a major trading partner in this sector.

India’s Highest Imports from Which Country?

As noted, China remains India’s largest import partner, recognized for its competitive pricing in sectors such as electronics, machinery, and chemicals. India highest import from China include electronics such as mobile phones, computers, and electrical equipment.

List of Products Imported in India

Here’s a summary of some of the list of products imported in India:

Electronics
Petroleum and Petroleum Products
Precious Stones and Metals
Machinery and Equipment
Organic Chemicals
Plastics
Iron and Steel
Medical Devices
Copper
Edible Oils

Conclusion

India’s import business is a vital component of its growing economy. The major imports in India span a wide range of sectors, from electronic gadgets and precious metals to machinery and organic chemicals. By relying on countries like China, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and others, India has managed to meet the growing demands of its diverse industries.

For businesses looking to dive deeper into the India import data and stay updated with the latest market trends, consulting a reliable import export data provider, such as Seair Exim Solutions, is essential. The platform offers precise and up-to-date insights into India’s top 10 imports, helping companies make informed decisions in the global trade market.