Toy Biz India 2026: India's Toy Trade Show - A Landmark for India's Emerging Global Toy Powerhouse

Toy Biz India 2026: India's Toy Trade Show - A Landmark for India's Emerging Global Toy Powerhouse

Held from 4 to 7 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the 17th edition of the Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition stood out as a defining moment for the Indian toy sector. Organized by the Toy Association of India under the Mission 50 banner aimed at expanding global participation, the event united manufacturers, exporters, and international buyers on what is recognized as South Asia's leading toy trade platform. Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed attendees, highlighting the success of Make in India and the sector's strong future prospects.

The exhibition drew participation from around 300 companies representing nearly 400 Indian brands, all featuring Made in India products. Categories on display spanned educational and STEM kits, building sets and puzzles, outdoor and sports toys, electronic and battery-operated toys, baby products, and both licensed and sustainable offerings. A dedicated Hosted Buyers Programme provided selected international importers and distributors with complimentary five-star hotel stays, partial travel reimbursement, and local transportation, helping streamline export conversations and partnerships. The show attracted thousands of professional visitors, including importers, distributors, retail chains, e-commerce platforms, licensing partners, and industry media, building on previous editions that welcomed over 15,000 business visitors from dozens of countries.

India's toy industry has completed a striking reversal in recent years. Long a net importer, the sector now exports to 153 countries. Official figures show overall toy exports across key categories rose from 152.7 million US dollars in 2017-18 to 384.7 million US dollars in 2025-26, a growth of more than 151 percent. The country recorded a trade surplus of 152 million US dollars in these categories last fiscal year, compared with a 213 million US dollar deficit in 2017-18. Electronic and non-electronic toys expanded nearly 160 percent, video game consoles and related products nearly tripled, and festive and entertainment articles grew around 130 percent. Exports to the United States more than quadrupled during the same period.

This shift stems directly from sustained government action. The Make in India initiative, Phased Manufacturing Programme, National Action Plan for Toys, mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards quality certification through Quality Control Orders, higher import tariffs, and support for dedicated toy clusters and One District One Product schemes have all strengthened domestic production while curbing substandard imports. Traditional and educational toy imports fell sharply, by around 66 percent in key segments. The domestic toy market stood at approximately 2.09 billion US dollars in 2025 and is projected to reach 4.74 billion US dollars by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 9.5 percent.

Several clear trends emerged on the exhibition floor. Manufacturers placed heavy focus on STEM-oriented educational toys and sustainable, eco-friendly designs to align with global buyer priorities around quality and responsible production. Dedicated panels and sessions examined pathways to international licensing agreements and retail placements, reflecting India's push into branded and intellectual-property-driven segments. Advisory support on digital platforms and e-commerce helped companies navigate Amazon, direct-to-consumer channels, and international retail networks.

The overall atmosphere combined focused deal-making with visible optimism. Halls buzzed with product launches, live demonstrations, one-on-one negotiations, and networking, all set against the backdrop of India's summer energy. The event carried a distinct forward momentum, different in character from more established European fairs, as Indian companies positioned themselves as reliable, scalable partners ready for larger global roles.

Toy Biz India 2026 delivered clear value. Serious buyers attended in meaningful numbers, export-ready products filled the stands, and policy-backed momentum was evident throughout. For anyone active in the global toy trade, the message is straightforward: India has moved beyond the emerging stage and is now a serious contender. The next decade is set to see the country rise from a secondary supplier to a major force in worldwide toy exports, driven by quality improvements, scale advantages, and growing international confidence in Indian manufacturing.