India lets export zones sell locally to shield firms from rising trade shocks

A new window allows SEZs to tap domestic demand

From April 2026 to March 2027, India will allow export zones to sell products locally. The move is designed to help exporters cope with rising tariffs and supply-chain disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict, while improving use of SEZ capacity and reducing dependence on expensive imports. The policy could shift how firms balance export orders with domestic sales.