India’s Trade Triumph and Its Environmental Toll:
India’s trade contribution is projected to reach 6% of global trade growth by 2025 (DHL Trade Atlas report), but rising exports of pollution-intensive products have triggered serious concerns over environmental sustainability. India’s merchandise exports reached USD 231.48 billion from pollution-intensive sectors alone by 2023, growing faster than overall exports (12.5% vs. 11%).
Sectoral Dominance: Petroleum and coal products accounted for 38% of pollution-intensive exports. Alongside chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, these sectors formed 84% of India’s pollution-linked exports.
