UP Vendors Turn to Amazon for Global Market Access

Lucknow: Over 300 aspiring small and mid-sized attended the Amazon’s Export Haat 2024 in Lucknow, eager to understand how they can expand their product reach to international markets. Set up as part of the company’s Global Selling Program, which has facilitated over $8 billion cumulative ecommerce exports from India, the one-day exclusive event is dedicated to educating businesses and sellers on expanding their businesses globally. This is for the first time such a focused event for export through ecommerce is being organized in the city.

Since its inception in 2015, Amazon Global Selling has registered more than 125,000 exporters. The program connects Indian businesses with over 200 countries and territories, democratizing global commerce by providing businesses of all sizes with the opportunity to establish a strong international presence. Supported by India’s robust economy, which is projected to grow at 6%–6.8% in 2023-24[1], the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s export targets, including $2 trillion [2] in overall exports and $200–300 billion[3] in e-commerce exports by 2030.

Despite these opportunities, many SMEs face challenges in cross-border e-commerce, including navigating regulations and accessing global markets. Recognizing this need, Amazon India organized ‘Export Haat 2024: The Lucknow Edition’ to provide essential knowledge and skills for e-commerce entrepreneurs and aspiring exporters in Uttar Pradesh. Over 300 aspiring sellers were educated by Amazon experts alongside industry experts, who provided valuable insights into e-commerce exports opportunity, assistance with on-spot registration and compliance.

Madhavi Jain, Founder, Digi Solution, said“Exporting through Amazon offers significant advantages for businesses looking to reach international customers directly. The Global Selling Program simplifies the complexities of international trade, addressing compliance and payment issues effectively. By focusing on B2C exports, Amazon enables sellers to connect with a global customer base, providing unparalleled opportunities for growth. Embracing this model can help us overcome traditional barriers and expand our reach exponentially, making it an ideal starting point for our export journey.”

Amazon Global Selling Program, that offers tools and solutions for cross-border trade, provides end-to-end guidance on export registration, product, tax, and shipping documentation, and payment reconciliation through the Export Compliance Dashboard. Sellers can choose between the Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for logistics, benefiting from Amazon’s global fulfillment centers and customer service management.

Additionally, Amazon supports sellers with a network of third-party service providers who assist with registration, management, and global expansion, simplifying market entry. Amazon’s marketing tools enhance brand visibility, empowering MSMEs to diversify their markets and reduce reliance on local sales channels. This initiative has driven substantial business growth, with over 1200 Indian exporters achieving more than $120,000 (INR 1 crore) in sales in 2022.

Ankita Kishore, CEO & Director, YOTRIBE, said, “Being at Amazon Export Haat 2024 has been incredibly insightful. We’re looking to overcome the challenges of scaling our operations and reaching new markets. Amazon’s resources, especially their logistics and global reach seem like the perfect solution to help us grow sustainably. This event has given us a clearer understanding of how we can connect with customers worldwide and expand our business effectively.”

Vibhu Dixit, A.V Groups, said, “The shift in business practices post-COVID has prompted us to diversify our product line and explore B2C marketplaces. Amazon, with its extensive reach and well-structured platform, is an excellent option for this transition. Attending this event provided us with much-needed clarity and the opportunity to register on the spot. The support and guidance offered by Amazon are invaluable as we move from traditional to modern business models.”

While the government works to streamline the export process, e-commerce platforms like Amazon are empowering Indian MSMEs and startups to expand globally. The synergy between government initiatives, opportunities created by e-commerce companies, and the rising global demand for ‘Made in India’ products can help realize the vision of a $5 trillion economy, highlighting the tremendous potential of India’s MSMEs and small entrepreneurs.