India's total exports of merchandise and services rose 11.37 per cent year-on-year to an estimated USD 232.73 billion in the April-June quarter of FY27, driven by robust growth in merchandise shipments, particularly engineering goods, gems and jewellery, electronics and chemicals. However, faster growth in imports widened the country's trade deficit during the quarter.
According to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Monday, merchandise exports increased 15.92 per cent to USD 129.32 billion during April-June 2026-27, compared with USD 111.57 billion in the corresponding period a year earlier. Non-petroleum exports also recorded healthy growth, rising 12.44 per cent to USD 106.30 billion.
Overall imports during the quarter climbed 17.55 per cent to USD 270.15 billion, resulting in a combined merchandise and services trade deficit of USD 37.42 billion, up from USD 20.85 billion in the same period last year.
Merchandise Exports Drive Growth
For June 2026, India's total exports stood at an estimated USD 73.45 billion, up 9.48 per cent from a year earlier, while imports surged 26.85 per cent to USD 88.76 billion.
Merchandise exports for the month increased to USD 40.41 billion from USD 34.98 billion in June 2025, while merchandise imports rose sharply to USD 70.84 billion, widening the monthly merchandise trade gap.
Among the key export performers in June, gems and jewellery recorded the highest growth among major sectors, rising 34.64 per cent to USD 2.41 billion. Engineering goods exports increased 20.74 per cent to USD 11.48 billion, while organic and inorganic chemicals grew 19.42 per cent to USD 2.77 billion.
Electronic goods exports rose 18.93 per cent to USD 4.93 billion, while rice exports increased 16.48 per cent to USD 1 billion.
Other sectors posting strong export growth included other cereals, meat, dairy and poultry products, iron ore, plastics, tobacco, marine products, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.
Non-Petroleum Exports Remain Resilient
Non-petroleum exports reached USD 35.54 billion in June, while non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports stood at USD 33.13 billion, reflecting broad-based export momentum beyond traditional commodity segments.
During the April-June period, non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports increased to USD 99.04 billion, underlining continued strength in value-added manufacturing exports.
Services Exports Continue Steady Expansion
Estimated services exports rose to USD 33.03 billion in June from USD 32.11 billion a year earlier.
For the April-June quarter, services exports increased 6.16 per cent to an estimated USD 103.41 billion, while services imports stood at USD 53.97 billion, resulting in a services trade surplus of USD 49.43 billion.
Singapore, South Africa Among Fastest-Growing Markets
Singapore, South Africa, China, Sri Lanka and Tanzania emerged among India's fastest-growing export destinations during the April-June quarter.
On the import side, Russia, China, Oman, the United States and Brazil recorded the strongest growth in shipments to India, reflecting continued demand for energy, industrial inputs and capital goods.
While export momentum remained strong during the first quarter of FY27, the faster pace of import growth led to a wider trade deficit, highlighting the challenge of balancing robust domestic demand with external sector stability. |
