India's exports from Special Economic Zones rose 11.8 per cent year on year to Rs 16.36 trillion in 2025-26, according to data shared by the government in the Lok Sabha. The figure was equivalent to USD 185.28 billion, up from Rs 14.64 trillion in 2024-25. The increase reflects measures to enhance operational efficiency, attract investment and integrate zones with domestic supply chains, the ministry said. Outbound shipments from these zones have shown steady growth over five financial years, with exports rising from Rs 9.91 trillion in 2021-22 to Rs 12.63 trillion in 2022-23 and Rs 13.55 trillion in 2023-24. They advanced to Rs 14.64 trillion in 2024-25 before reaching Rs 16.36 trillion in 2025-26. The trend indicates persistent expansion in export-oriented manufacturing and services across SEZs. Among states, Gujarat accounted for the highest SEZ exports at Rs 4.06 trillion in 2025-26, followed by Karnataka at Rs 2.69 trillion. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu recorded shipments of Rs 2.43 trillion and Rs 2.12 trillion respectively. These four states remained the largest contributors to outbound shipments during the fiscal. In related figures, India's pharmaceutical exports rose to USD 31.12 billion in 2025-26 from USD 15.43 billion in 2014-15, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of around 6.6 per cent over the period. Maharashtra continued to be the largest pharmaceutical exporting state, contributing nearly 19 per cent of national pharma shipments, which increased from USD 4.48 billion in 2021-22 to USD 5.94 billion in 2025-26. The government noted that free trade agreements have aided exporters by reducing tariff barriers and expanding market access. Since the India-UAE pact came into force in May 2022, over 0.445 mn Certificates of Origin have been issued, while the India-Australia agreement has seen 0.273 mn such certificates and the India-Oman pact has yielded 783 certificates since June 2026.