The main tea-growing states are Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. India also fulfills a large part of the world demand for spices. Since mid-1991, foreign investment in India has soared. However, most industries remain inefficient, using outdated equipment and technology, and producing goods unsuitable for the export market. To top it all off, work places are often dangerous and contribute considerably to pollution.
Textiles make up about a quarter of India's exports.
Other important exports include engineering goods, marine products and chemicals. High-tech items, such as computer software, are increasingly becoming significant export products. Oil and petroleum products are the main imports. Mining is a relatively small sector, but iron ore and cut diamonds are produced for export purposes. Coal and bauxite are also important minerals.