The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has set an ambitious goal to triple its exports by 2030, capitalizing on the ongoing tariff war between the United States and China, which has created a significant opportunity for the state, according to an official statement released on Saturday.
Amid the trade standoff between the U.S. and China, the Yogi Adityanath-led government is positioning UP to seize this opportunity, leveraging the state's improving law and order, world-class infrastructure, and abundant skilled labor. These factors are helping Uttar Pradesh become a preferred investment destination in India.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has frequently highlighted the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which has significantly boosted UP's exports from Rs 88,967 crore to over Rs 2 lakh crore since its inception.
The UP government expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructural developments, such as expressways, airports, and inter-state waterways, along with the state’s low-cost labor and a robust micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, will provide a conducive environment for businesses. This makes Uttar Pradesh a strong contender for attracting businesses looking to relocate from China.

To capitalize on this potential, the state government is working on a new export policy, which includes making the ‘Invest UP’ platform more efficient and transparent to streamline investor engagement and drive foreign investment.
Additionally, the state government organizes the International Trade Show at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida to promote Uttar Pradesh’s products globally. This year’s event, scheduled for September 25-27, will feature Vietnam as the partner country and offer an opportunity for people from India and 70 other countries to experience ‘Brand UP’. Large-scale promotional campaigns will be conducted in key locations such as Maharashtra, South India, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore, and major airports and railway stations.
The upcoming export policy will also establish an Export Promotion Fund to enhance Brand UP’s presence worldwide.
Uttar Pradesh currently leads India in leather and footwear exports, contributing 46% of the country’s total exports in this sector. To further strengthen this position, the state plans to introduce a dedicated Leather and Footwear Policy, making UP the second state, after Tamil Nadu, to do so. This policy will benefit key regions like Kanpur, Unnao, and Agra.
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war presents a unique opportunity for India’s MSME sector. Currently, China holds a 72% market share in exporting everyday goods worth USD 148 billion to the U.S., while India’s share is only 2%. Many of these goods are produced by MSMEs, and Uttar Pradesh, with over 96 lakh MSME units, is poised to take advantage of this market gap.
To support these businesses in competing globally, the state government regularly conducts training programs to improve product quality and enhance competitiveness. This has resulted in a noticeable increase in exports, particularly for products under the ODOP scheme.