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India’s Toy Ecosystem

Kumari Sonali

India’s Toy Ecosystem:

India’s toy industry is gaining attention for its rapid growth in domestic manufacturing, exports and employment, supported by government initiatives and rising demand for indigenous, educational and sustainable toys. India’s toy industry is an emerging sunrise sector that combines cultural heritage, indigenous manufacturing, innovation and export competitiveness.

Current Status of India’s Toy Industry:

  • Export Growth: India’s exports across key toy-related categories increased from US$152.7 million in 2017-18 to US$384.7 million in 2025-26, reflecting growth of over 151.9%.
  • Electronic and Non-Electronic Toys: Exports of electronic and non-electronic toys grew by nearly 160%, rising from US$77.35 million in 2017-18 to US$200.89 million in 2025-26.
  • The United States emerged as the leading destination for Indian toy exports, with shipments increasing from US$26.7 million to about US$111.9 million. The United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands and Germany were other key markets.
  • Gaming: Exports of video game consoles, machines, and related products nearly tripled from US$15.68 million in 2017-18 to US$46.75 million in 2025-26. The United States remained the largest market, while the UAE, Russia, France and the United Kingdom were other major destinations.
  • Festive: Exports of festive, carnival and other entertainment articles increased by nearly 130%, from US$59.69 million in 2017-18 to US$137.03 million in 2025-26. Major destinations included the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden.
  • Imports: Imports of traditional and educational toys declined by 66%, reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
  • Surplus: India recorded a trade surplus of US$152 million across key toy-related categories in 2025-26.
  • Transition: This represented a major improvement from the trade deficit of US$213.01 million recorded in 2017-18, when imports exceeded exports.
  • Employment: Employment in the Games and Toys industry more than doubled from 8,685 workers in 2018-19 to 17,693 workers in 2023-24.