The SEZ Landscape Unveiled: India’s Top States Driving Trade & Industry in 2025

Image Source: Legally India

India's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) continue to be pivotal growth engines, fueling exports, attracting investment, and generating large-scale employment opportunities. As of 2025, the landscape of these duty-free, export-oriented enclaves has evolved to represent a strategic map of industrial vitality across the country. This detailed newsletter unpacks the latest developments in SEZ distribution among Indian states and explores the economic impact and underlying factors that have led to the prominence of the top five states with the highest number of operational SEZs.

Key Highlights:

Tamil Nadu leads with 49 operational SEZs, powering sectors like automobiles, IT, textiles, electronics, and healthcare.
Maharashtra follows with 37 SEZs, known for IT, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
Telangana and Karnataka are neck and neck, each hosting 34 SEZs predominantly in IT/ITES, biotechnology, and electronics.
Uttar Pradesh rounds out the top five with 14 SEZs focusing on electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
Infrastructure excellence, investor-friendly policies, and skilled human capital are the pillars of SEZ success.

Understanding Special Economic Zones in India

Special Economic Zones are geographically demarcated areas set up under the SEZ Act of 2005, assigned the task of attracting foreign and domestic investment through business-friendly regulations and incentives. The zones offer advantages such as tax relaxations and streamlined customs procedures to boost exports and create jobs. Over the years, SEZs have become hubs for industrial clusters, significantly enhancing regional economic dynamism.

Detailed Insights into the Top Five States

Tamil Nadu: The SEZ Powerhouse: Tamil Nadu currently holds the crown as the state with the highest number of SEZs (49). This vibrant industrial landscape benefits from proximity to key ports like Chennai, Tuticorin, and Ennore, facilitating seamless export operations. The state’s SEZs predominantly serve the automobile, IT, textile, electronics, and healthcare sectors. Landmark SEZs such as Madras Export Processing Zone in Chennai exemplify the state's attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and employment generation, fostering extensive industrialization.
Maharashtra: Diverse and Robust Industrial Base: Maharashtra hosts 37 operational SEZs, distinguished by its industrial hubs in Mumbai, Pune, and Navi Mumbai. The zones here are diversified, covering IT, engineering, pharmaceuticals, textiles, finance, and gems & jewelry sectors. The state's strong infrastructure and connectivity have bolstered its SEZs' contribution to India's industrial output and exports significantly.
Telangana: The Innovation and IT Hub: Matching Karnataka with 34 SEZs, Telangana's economic landscape is shaped by Hyderabad’s rise as an IT and biotech nucleus. SEZs in Telangana are concentrated in IT/ITES, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals sectors, supported by developments in HITEC City and Cyberabad. Investor-friendly policies and modern infrastructure have made Telangana a magnet for global corporations, driving employment and innovation.
Karnataka: The Silicon Valley of India: Karnataka also boasts 34 SEZs, primarily in Bengaluru and Mysuru, positioning the state as a global IT destination. The presence of international tech giants and a highly skilled workforce focuses SEZ activities on IT, biotechnology, and electronics, facilitating a technology-driven economic boost.
Uttar Pradesh: Emerging Electronics and Manufacturing Hub: Uttar Pradesh, with 14 operational SEZs, has carved a niche in electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and general manufacturing. The development of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) and the presence of major brands such as Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo exemplify its growing industrial base. Government incentives and focused infrastructure projects have been crucial in attracting investments and generating employment opportunities.

Factors Fueling SEZ Growth Across States

The success of SEZs in these states is not coincidental but a result of several strategic factors:
Superior Infrastructure: Accessibility to ports, airports, road networks, and industrial corridors enhances operational efficiency.
Proactive State Policies: Policies geared towards ease of doing business and investor facilitation create a welcoming environment.
Skilled Human Capital: Availability of trained professionals in technology and manufacturing sectors supports industry demands.
Industry Clustering: Concentration of related industries within SEZs promotes innovation, synergy, and investment attraction.

Future Outlook and Expansion

The SEZ framework continues to expand with ongoing development plans, signaling robust potential for accelerating India's industrial growth. These zones are expected to foster deeper integration with global value chains, enhance export performance, and contribute significantly to job creation and regional economic upliftment.

In summary, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh lead India's SEZ count in 2025, reflecting focused economic strategies and infrastructural investments that position these states as industrial and export powerhouses.

Source: TradeBrains, Infra Talks