Import & Export Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 02:14 IST

career in Import and Export opens a wide variety of opportunities in domains such as export finance, freight marketing, distribution, foreign exchange, and documentation. The imports and exports industry plays a major role in contributing to the expansion of the global market and making international trade possible.

Working in the imports and exports industry can be very exciting as you get to work with global brands and multinational companies. The imports and exports industry is a busy industry meaning there are plenty of jobs that are available in the industry. Working in the industry comes with its perks, for example, you get to travel. The industry is fast-paced and does require patience and hard work but at the end of it all, the job opportunities in the industry are exciting and rewarding.

The top recruiters in Import Export Industry include Reliance Industries, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Tata Motors, etc in job profiles such as Export Managers, Import Managers, and International Logistics Supply Managers. The average salary will range from INR 2 LPA to INR 19 LPA.

To know more about the Important and Export Career, read the article further.

Recommend topics for a career in Import and Export:

Complete Details About Import & Export Course

Online MBA in Import & Export colleges in India

Export and Import Career: Quick Facts

Some of the important statistics about the imports and exports industry are mentioned below: 

  • The job postings for the imports and exports industry have increased by 47% in India, as reported by Business Today.
  • India's total exports in 2024 are estimated at USD 536.25 Billion registering a positive growth of 7.61 percent.
  • India's exports of goods and services account for 18.03% of its GDP, while imports represent 18.39%.
  • Goods traders represent 7% of employment at small firms, 25% at medium-sized firms, and 81% at large firms.

Career Profiles in Import and Export

A career in imports and exports is highly lucrative for a person who doesn’t like the conventional way of working. The industry does have some ups and downs, from time to time, like any other industry but that doesn’t change the fact that working in the industry promises exceptional career growth. Some of the top careers in the import-export industry are:

Import and Export Job Roles

Import and Export Jobs Description

Average Salary 

Export Manager An export manager acts as a mediator between foreign buyers and domestic sellers, responsible for finding buyers for domestic manufacturers. INR 2.8 - 19.9 LPA
Documentation Executive A Documentation Executive oversees the preparation of export documents following standard procedures. INR 1.1 - 5 LPA
Import Specialist The Import Specialist is responsible for sourcing quality goods from foreign suppliers, negotiating prices, payment terms, and delivery schedules. INR 2.9 - 14.5 LPA
Sea Freight Coordinator A Sea Freight Coordinator ensures efficient supply lines by collaborating with shipping and logistics companies. INR 2.4 - 6 LPA
Import Export Manager Import Export Manager is responsible for foreseeing the movement of goods and services between the home country and the foreign countries. It is their job to manage the importing of goods as well as the exporting of goods. INR 2.5 - 15.8 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Emerging Trends in Export & Import

India's export landscape has experienced significant transformations in recent years, driven by globalization, digitalization, and evolving consumer demands. Several key trends are shaping the future of Indian exporters.

  • Digitalization: Digitalization is transforming how trade is conducted through digital platforms that exchange documents, lower administrative costs, and expedite customs clearance.
  • E-commerce: E-commerce platforms have opened up global markets for exporters, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reach customers worldwide.
  • Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable practices, such as organic farming and eco-friendly packaging.

Import and Exports Career Scope: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education in India

A career in imports and exports is highly rewarding and exciting. The industry presents a diverse range of job opportunities. With the rise of globalization, many companies all over the world are hiring professionals in the fields of imports and exports. The need for hiring individuals in this industry is constantly increasing as the industry is competitive in nature. Following are some of the top sectors in the industry with great scope in the imports and exports industry:

Sectors

Description

Agriculture Agriculture is highly impacted by the imports and exports industry. For the agriculture industry, the export industry boosts the production rate and the farmers get a better end of the deal as compared to the local market. The produce gets a global market, helping agricultural businesses grow.
Food Industry Countries rely on each other for food and the imports and exports industry facilitates that transaction. The food industry relies on imports and exports as many items that are found on the shelves of a supermarket in the food and produce aisle are a result of imports and exports.
Mining Export and import of raw materials and mineral resources help in generating the economy of countries. Imports and exports of raw materials are key players in a country’s economy and help yield income and wealth for a nation.
International Trade The Import and Export industry is the backbone of international trade. Many goods and services that are traded through international trade happen through imports and exports. International trade helps in generating a nation's economy which is regulated through imports and exports.
Transport Transport plays a huge role in the imports and exports industry. It is because of transportation that goods are carried from one part of the world to the other. The modes of transportation may differ but they are the reason the import and export of goods and services is coming to play.

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Top Recruiters in the Imports and Exports Industry

The imports and exports industry has existed for a very long time and it is expected to grow at a significant rate with every passing year. International trade is only possible through the import and export industry. If an individual is planning a lucrative career path, choosing the imports and exports industry is a great choice. The industry offers a lot of opportunities to its aspiring candidates. Companies including the top players in the industry are constantly looking for professionals to hire as there is always something that needs to be done. Following are some of the top recruiters in the import-export industry:

Import and Export Top Recruiters
Reliance Industries Tata Steel Indian Oil
Tata Motors Sun Pharma Industries Vardhman Textiles
Mahindra & Mahindra Coal India ITC
Bharat Petroleum Steel Authority of India Rajesh Exports

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Top Import and Export Colleges for Placements

When it comes to the imports and exports industry, having basic knowledge about how things happen, does not suffice. One needs to learn through proper courses, to be able to work in the industry. These courses help an individual form a foundation for a career in the industry. By gaining professional knowledge through these courses, an individual will be able to learn about international business, documentation, payments, product development, etc. It is these courses that can train an individual with professional skills like analytical ability, management skills, leadership skills, logical thinking, etc. In the table below, are mentioned the top colleges that can help an individual get a job in the import-export industry:

Import and Export Colleges in India

Average Salary Offered

School of Distance Education, Bharathiar University INR 6.6 LPA
Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, University of Mumbai INR 5.65 - 6 LPA
Teerthanker Mahaveer University INR 4.3 LPA
Indore Institute of Management and Research INR 2.5 LPA
C P Patel and F H Shah Commerce College INR 1.2 LPA
University of Mumbai (MU) INR 5.33 LPA
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore INR 6.70 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counseling body and may vary.

Candidates also liked these for the Import and Export Career:

Popular Colleges for Import & Export courses

Difference Between Exports and Imports

FAQs on Import & Export Career

Q. How does the import-export industry affect the economy?

The import-export industry affect the economy through international trade, which is a huge deciding factor on fiscal deficit, determing the performance of the economy of the country.

Q. What is the scope for employment in the imports and exports industry in India?

Just like how import and export operations are ever-lasting factors in world's economy, the demand for professionals in this field is set to rise with each passing year.

Q. What is the job of an Export Manager?

A. An export manager is an important personnel who mediates between domestic sellers and the foreign buyers. Their job is to find international buyers for the domestic manufacturers.

Q. What does a Sea Freight Coordinator do?

The role of a Sea Freight Coordinator keeps check of the completion and organisation of documentation in an effective way to serve the client requirements

Q. What is the average annual salary of an export manager?

The av. annual salary of an export manager in India is INR 7.2 LPA.

Q. Which is India's top export product?

A. Refined petroleum is India’s topmost export product with a total value of 43 billion USD.

Q. Which are the top companies in the import-export industry?

Individuals who find this industry interesting and have the ideal skillset have a chance to work with the top recruiters like Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, Sun Pharma Industries, ITC, Indian Oil, Tata Motors, Vardhman Textiles, Coal India, Rajesh Exports and Mahindra & Mahindra.

Q. What are the top government colleges for import-export courses?

Some of the good examples are - Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Bharathiar University Coimbatore, Indian Maritime University, and the University of Mumbai. 

Q. How can I get a job after graduating with an import-export course?

You can do so by gaining theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills, getting an education in the domain, start interning with companies working in same sectors and gather the industry experience and work your way up.

 

Q. What are the top Indian cities to get a lucrative job in, for imports and exports?

A. Gujarat, Mumbai, Chennai, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top Indian cities to get lucrative jobs for imports and exports.

Q. What are some of the pros of working in the import-export industry?

Some of the pros of working in this field can be that you get to work with international brands, interact with different people while travelling, excel in negotiation skills, or start your own business after gaining fruitful insights through a job.

Table of content
  • Popular Import & Export Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Import & Export Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Import & Export UG Courses
  • Popular Import & Export PG Courses

Popular Import & Export Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Import & Export Colleges in India. Learn more about these Import & Export colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
90 K - 1.1 L
2.9 L
3.8

Import & Export Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
2.81 L
17.7 K
1 Course

#120 NIRF

Popular Private Import & Export Colleges in India

1 Course
20 K
2.9 L
3.8

Import & Export Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
40 K
2.9 L

Import & Export Applications open. Apply Now

90 K - 1.1 L
1 Course
2.81 L

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Import & Export. Students interested in pursuing a career on Import & Export, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

10 Oct ' 25

TG ICET Special Phase Counselling 2025: Seat Allo...

6 Oct ' 25

TG ICET Special Phase Counselling 2025: Certifica...

30 Oct ' 25

Last date to report at allotted college

25 Oct ' 25 - 29 Oct ' 25

Payment of fees & downloading confirmation slip (...

23 Oct ' 25 - 7 Dec ' 25

MAT PBT Registration 2025 (Dec )

23 Oct ' 25 - 15 Dec ' 25

MAT CBT Registration 2025 (Dec )

Popular Import & Export UG Courses

Following are the most popular Import & Export UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Import & Export PG Courses

Following are the most popular Import & Export PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 65k Colleges
  • 1k Exams
  • 682k Reviews
  • 1800k Answers