Trade Exports

Board of Trade to meet on July 3 to discuss export growth strategies

The Board of Trade (BoT), chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, is scheduled to meet on July 3 to leverage benefits from recent trade pacts and to discuss strategies for accelerating the country's exports, an official said. The BoT includes participants from various states, Union territories, and senior officials from the public and private sectors. In the meeting, representatives of export promotion councils, along with other participants, will present their views on the export sector. "The BoT is meeting on July 3 here," the official said. The last meeting of the board was held on November 25, 2025. The meeting is important as India has implemented five free trade agreements (FTAs) since 2021 with Mauritius, Australia, the UAE, Oman, and the four-nation European EFTA bloc. It has also signed a pact with the UK, which will come into force on July 15. The trade pact with the 27-nation EU is expected to be signed by the end of this year and may come into force ne

UP's exports to Brics nations, partners cross $5.36 billion in FY26: Govt

Uttar Pradesh is strengthening trade, technology and investment ties with BRICS nations, with the state's total exports to BRICS member and partner countries crossing USD 5.36 billion during the financial year 2025-26, the state government said on Friday. Addressing the BRICS MSME Forum held in Agra, UP MSME Minister Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said the state has been exporting machinery, garments, leather, carpets and precious stones to several countries. According to a state government statement, out of the total exports, goods worth about USD 3.938 billion were exported to BRICS member countries, while exports worth USD 1.429 billion went to partner nations. The three-day BRICS MSME Forum in Agra was attended by representatives from BRICS countries along with MSME officials. Chaudhary said Uttar Pradesh's MSME sector has emerged as a major pillar of employment, innovation and economic growth, with around 96 lakh MSME units operating in the state and providing employment to about 1

India's exports hit record $863 billion despite trade shocks, says official

Despite global trade disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict and the imposition of US tariffs, India's exports reached a record high of USD 863 billion in Financial Year 2025-26, a senior Commerce Ministry official said on Wednesday. "This has been a very difficult year, from US tariffs to West Asia crises, but despite that, we have proved that India is very resilient as far as the export ecosystem is concerned. India's total exports reached an all-time high of USD 863 billion in FY 2025-26," said Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Ajay Bhadoo. Bhadoo was speaking at the Outreach Programme: 12 years of achievements and progress of SEZs of Gujarat & vision of future" in Ahmedabad. He said India's overall exports have nearly doubled from approximately USD 441 billion to USD 863 billion over the last decade, led by sectors such as engineering goods, petroleum products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, and chemicals. He added that Gujarat ..

India's trade surplus shifts towards Asia and Africa in early FY27

India's trade balance turned favourable with several Asian and African economies in April-May, even as surpluses with traditional partners such as the US narrowed

India's export surge reflects integration into global value chains: Experts

The 18 per cent growth in the country's merchandise exports reflects the increasing integration of Indian companies into global value chains and the diversification of export markets, experts said on Tuesday. India's exports climbed to a six-month high of 18 per cent to USD 45.2 billion in May, while the trade deficit widened to USD 28.21 billion, driven by increased imports of petroleum products amid higher crude oil prices. The increase in the outbound shipments is a reflection of the growing competitiveness of Indian industry and the confidence that global markets continue to place in Indian products, Sanjay Budhia, CII's Co-chair National Committee on Exports and MD, Patton International Ltd, said. He said that the healthy growth in exports during the first two months of 2026-27 also highlights the increasing integration of Indian enterprises into global value chains and their ability to respond to evolving international demand. During April-May 2026-27, exports rose 16.09 per

India exports up 18% at $45.2 bn in May; trade deficit widens to $28.21 bn

The country's merchandise exports rose 18 per cent to USD 45.2 billion, according to the commerce ministry data. Imports, too, grew 20.62 per cent to USD 73.41 billion in May, leaving a trade deficit of USD 28.21 billion. India's merchandise exports rose to USD 88.91 billion during April-May 2026-27, marking a 16.09 per cent growth over the corresponding period last year. India's exports to West Asia in May was marginally down at USD 5.30 billion against USD 5.38 billion in May 2025, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said.

India's fuel exports may revive after slumping amid Ukraine, Iran conflicts

Western nations facing shortages are reconsidering sanctions on fuels made from Russian crude oil

'India should focus on FTA implementation, utilisation by exporters'

India's next priority on the free trade agreement (FTA) front should be practical implementation and helping exporters use these pacts, as the gap between the negotiated and used market access remains the country's weakest link, experts say. They said that historically, India's FTA utilisation has hovered around 25 per cent, compared with 70-80 per cent in developed economies, and closing this gap is now the single highest-leverage trade policy reform available. The immediate priority should be to ensure that these negotiated benefits translate into actual claims at the border, they added. "Hence, India's next FTA priority should be practical implementation, helping exporters use the agreements, defend against new trade barriers, and convert market access into sustained export growth," Gulzar Didwania, Partner, Deloitte India, said. India has so far implemented several trade pacts, including those with Singapore, Japan, Korea, the UAE, Australia, ASEAN, and the EFTA bloc. It has a

India's goods exports robust in Apr despite supply chain disruption

Merchandise imports also grew 10 per cent to $71.94 billion in the first month of the financial year

India's exports rise 13% to $43 bn in April, trade deficit at $28 bn

The country's exports in April rose by 13.78 per cent to USD 43.56 billion despite global challenges, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Friday. Imports grew 10 per cent year-on-year to USD 71.94 billion in April. Trade deficit during the month stood at USD 28.38 billion. Agrawal said India's exports to West Asia declined 28 per cent to USD 4.16 billion last month as against USD 5.78 billion in April 2025. Imports from the region dipped 31.64 per cent to USD 10.47 billion in April from USD 15.32 billion in the year-ago period.

West Asia war impact: Domestic sales of construction equipment fall 6.7%

ICEMA executives cautioned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could continue to create short-term challenges for the industry

Centre plans to bolster key export scheme as Iran war sours trade outlook

West Asia conflict weakened trade in March, with India's merchandise exports falling 7.4 per cent year-on-year and 24 of 30 major export categories declining

India resumes wheat exports after 4 years, but high prices may curb demand

India, the world's largest wheat producer after China, has allowed exports of the grain this year, lifting a ban on overseas sales imposed in 2022

India's textile exports grow 2.1% to ₹3.16 trn in FY26 despite US tariffs

India's textile exports, including those of handicrafts, increased by 2.1 per cent to Rs 3.16 lakh crore in the financial year ended March 2026 from Rs 3.09 lakh crore a year ago, the textile ministry said on Wednesday. The growth comes despite the sector facing steep tariffs imposed by the US, its largest export destination, for most of the financial year. The reciprocal tariff regime began with 10 per cent on April 2, 2025 and was rapidly escalated. Rates for India rose to 25 per cent by August 7, 2025 and to 50 per cent by August 28, remaining at that level until early February 2026. Following the US Supreme Court's decision against the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on a number of countries, the Trump administration imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all countries from February 24 for 150 days. This performance reflects steady global demand for Indian textile products and the continued competitiveness of the sector across major product categories, the textile .

West Asia crisis: More destinations added to RELIEF scheme for exporters

The government on Friday expanded the list of eligible destinations under RELIEF scheme for exporters amid the West Asia crisis, which has impacted the country's exports. On March 19, the government launched a Rs 497-crore RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme to assist exporters facing disruptions due to the conflict. "With this expansion, Egypt and Jordan have been added to the list of eligible countries for shipments meant for delivery or transhipment, under the relevant provisions of the RELIEF framework," the commerce ministry said. It also clarified that exporters obtaining a fresh ECGC whole turnover policy on or after March 16, 2026 would be eligible for support. This clarification is aimed at ensuring greater clarity and facilitating wider participation of exporters, particularly new policyholders. "In view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia and its continuing impact on maritime logistics across the Gulf and adjoini

West Asia crisis: Ludhiana handtool export units face labour, gas shortages

The West Asia crisis is affecting export-oriented manufacturing units here, with handtool companies facing challenges such as labour shortages, rising input costs and inadequate gas supply, impacting production and potentially weighing on the country's exports. The other difficulties they are facing include high interest rates, container availability, increase in shipping and air freights and high insurance cost. The units are however hopeful that the ceasefire announced between the US and Iran for 15 days will lead to an end to the conflict, helping ease these challenges. The joint attack launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 severely disrupted the country's exports to West Asia, pushed up shipping freight, air transport prices and insurance costs. Disruptions in the movement of oil and gas from Middle East countries have also led to an increase in the prices of raw materials such as steel, plastic and rubber. "Units in Punjab are facing a labour shortage. Workers

West Asia war hits henna exports from Rajasthan's Sojat, cargo stuck

Traders say the continuing conflict has severely impacted business operations, with its ripple effects being felt across countries, cities and even rural markets

Exports sustain momentum, to record positive growth in 2025-26: Official

India's exports have sustained healthy momentum despite global headwinds and are expected to post positive growth in 2025-26, a senior official of the commerce ministry said on Friday. The exports and imports data for the month of March and the full 2025-26 fiscal year will be released by the commerce ministry on April 15. "At the end of March 31, despite the war, we will be closing the year with positive growth. US tariffs, so many disturbances all through the year, Ukraine war is continuing, Iran war started, despite all, merchandise, exports have maintained their momentum," the official said. The country's merchandise exports dropped marginally by 0.81 per cent year-on-year to USD 36.61 billion in February, and the trade deficit narrowed to USD 27.1 billion compared to the previous month. Cumulatively, exports during April-February 2025-26 rose 1.84 per cent to USD 402.93 billion. Imports grew by 8.53 per cent to USD 713.53 billion during the period, leaving a trade deficit of U

West Asia crisis: Govt restores full Rodtep benefits to exporters

The government on Monday restored full benefits under the RoDTEP scheme to exporters amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis disrupting global trade. Last month, the government halved the rate of duty benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme. The exporting community expressed disappointment and had sought reconsideration of the decision. "The RoDTEP rates and value caps as specifiedas applicable on February 22, 2026, are hereby restored with effect from February 23, 2026 to March 31, 2026 for all eligible export products," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme, launched in 2021, provides for a refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods, and not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the Centre, state or local level. Refunds under the scheme range from

Tamil Nadu surpasses Gujarat, Maharashtra to become top textile exporter

Tamil Nadu has emerged as India's top state in textile exports, recording shipments worth USD 7,997.17 million for the fiscal year 2024-25, which is an increase of 29.12 per cent over the last four years, the government said. The state has witnessed a 29 per cent increase in export value in the last four years, an official release said. In 2020-21, Tamil Nadu's textile exports stood at USD 6,193 million. Chief Minister M K Stalin said Tamil Nadu has successfully outpaced competitors like Gujarat and Maharashtra to secure the first position. "Tamil Nadu's export volume of textiles, which was USD 6,193.39 million in 2020-21 due to the planned actions of the Dravidian Model government, rose to USD 7,997.17 million in the next four years. Overall, in India's exports, Tamil Nadu accounts for 21.84 per cent," he wrote in a social media post. As per the National-Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade data, the value of textile goods shipped from India was USD 36,610 million, o