India’s Exports Soar 13.59% In April, Cross $80 Billion Mark With Strong Growth

India’s external trade showed strong momentum in April 2026, with exports registering robust growth compared to the same period last year, driven largely by services and a broad based rise in manufacturing shipments.

India’s total exports of goods and services stood at US$ 80.80 billion in April 2026 , up from US$ 71.13 billion in April 2025 , marking a sharp increase of 13.59% . Imports also rose, though at a slower pace, reaching US$ 88.61 billion compared to US$ 82.29 billion a year earlier , a growth of 7.67% . As a result, the trade deficit improved to US$ 7.81 billion , lower than the US$ 11.16 billion recorded last year, indicating a relative easing of external pressure.

A year on year comparison shows a clear strengthening of India’s external sector. Merchandise exports increased to US$ 43.56 billion from US$ 38.28 billion , while merchandise imports rose to US$ 71.94 billion from US$ 65.38 billion . Services exports remained the key growth engine, rising to US$ 37.24 billion from US$ 32.85 billion , reflecting strong global demand for India’s IT, business, and professional services. Services imports, however, declined marginally to US$ 16.66 billion from US$ 16.91 billion , further supporting the overall trade balance.

Non petroleum and non gems and jewellery exports also showed healthy expansion, increasing to US$ 31.64 billion from US$ 28.66 billion , signalling broader diversification in India’s export basket beyond traditional commodities. Growth was supported by strong performance in electronic goods, engineering products, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, marine goods, and chemicals, many of which recorded steady gains over last year.

On the import side, mixed trends were observed. While demand rose for crude oil, machinery, and certain industrial inputs, several categories such as chemicals, newsprint, iron and steel, and cotton waste recorded declines, helping moderate overall import growth.

Trade flows also showed shifting global linkages, with strong export growth to markets such as Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, while imports increased from China, Russia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Overall, compared to April 2025, India’s April 2026 trade data reflects a more resilient external sector, with faster export growth, a stronger services surplus, and a narrowing trade deficit, reinforcing the country’s steady integration into global trade despite uncertain international conditions.