India’s exports of AYUSH and herbal products recorded a 6.11% growth in FY 2024–25, rising from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25.
The milestone was highlighted during the 4th Establishment Anniversary of the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) held in New Delhi.
This growth reflects rising global demand for India’s traditional systems of medicine and strengthened institutional support for AYUSH exports.
Key Highlights
- Export growth: 6.11% YoY in FY 2024–25
- Export value: USD 688.89 million
- Momentum driver: Establishment and proactive outreach of AYUSHEXCIL
- Policy backing: Formal recognition of AYUSH systems in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
Role of AYUSHEXCIL
Since its formation, AYUSHEXCIL has undertaken focused initiatives to promote AYUSH exports:
- Capacity building of exporters
- Facilitation of export procedures and regulatory compliance
- B2B meetings and buyer–seller interactions
- Participation in international exhibitions and seminars
- Market outreach programmes in key overseas destinations
These measures have helped Indian exporters navigate complex international regulations and expand market access.
Recognition in Trade Agreements (Major Boost)
India’s traditional medicine systems have received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including:
- India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Both agreements include dedicated annexes on health-related services and traditional medicine, providing:
- Greater legitimacy to AYUSH products
- Clearer regulatory pathways
- Improved market access in partner countries
This is a structural breakthrough for AYUSH in global trade frameworks.
Ayush Quality Mark Programme
AYUSHEXCIL has been entrusted with anchoring the Ayush Quality Mark Programme of the Ministry of Ayush.
- Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Occasion: 2nd World Health Organization Summit on Traditional Medicine
- Dates: 17–19 December 2025
Significance
- Strengthens quality assurance of AYUSH products
- Enhances global credibility and consumer confidence
- Supports standardisation and certification for exports
AYUSHEXCIL
- Legal status: Section 8 Company
- Registered on: 4 January 2022 (Registrar of Companies, New Delhi)
- Formally launched: 20 April 2022 at the Global AYUSH Investment & Innovation Summit, Gandhinagar
- Notified as EPC: 31 July 2023 by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Functions under: Ministry of Ayush, with support from Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Coverage
Exports of products and services related to:
- Ayurveda
- Yoga & Naturopathy
- Unani
- Siddha
- Sowa-Rigpa
- Homeopathy
- Other Indian traditional healthcare systems
Why This Matters for AYUSH
- AYUSH systems earlier faced:
- Regulatory barriers
- Limited global market access
- Lack of formal trade recognition
- Inclusion in FTAs:
- Improves legitimacy
- Enables easier market entry
- Encourages research collaboration and standardisation
- Benefits:
- Indian manufacturers
- Practitioners
- Exporters and MSMEs
This places India’s traditional medicine firmly on the global healthcare and wellness map.
Boost to Exports & Economic Growth
- Rising global interest in:
- Preventive healthcare
- Wellness and integrative medicine
- Natural and herbal products
- AYUSH exports already growing at over 6% annually
- Trade agreement recognition may:
- Reduce non-tariff barriers
- Improve mutual recognition of standards
- Increase overseas consumer trust
The Oman and New Zealand agreements are expected to act as templates for future FTAs.