Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat Lead in NITI Aayog's Export Preparedness Index 2024

• NITI Aayog released the fourth edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, assessing export readiness across Indian states and Union Territories.
• Maharashtra topped large states, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat; Uttarakhand led small states, North Eastern states, and UTs.
• The EPI 2024 uses a four-pillar framework (Export Infrastructure, Business Ecosystem, Policy and Governance, Export Performance) with 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators.
• New dimensions like macroeconomic stability, cost competitiveness, human capital, and MSME ecosystem were added to enhance analytical depth.
• The index aims to be a key policy tool for states to boost exports, align local strategies with national trade ambitions, and achieve $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030.

Why It Matters: NITI Aayog's EPI 2024 highlights top-performing states in export readiness, emphasizing subnational economies' role in India's trade goals.