India’s exports rise 5.79% to $790.86 bn in Apr–Feb FY26

India’s total exports of merchandise and services grew 5.79% year-on-year to $790.86 billion during April–February FY26, compared with $747.58 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The growth was supported by robust performance across key sectors including engineering goods, electronic products, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and agri-based commodities, reflecting resilience in external demand.
Merchandise exports during the period stood at $402.93 billion, registering a moderate 1.84% increase from $395.66 billion a year earlier. Non-petroleum exports showed stronger momentum, rising 5.03% to $354.12 billion.However, imports surged to $713.53 billion, widening the merchandise trade deficit to $310.60 billion, compared to $261.80 billion in the corresponding period of FY25.In February 2026, total exports were estimated at $76.13 billion, marking an 11.05% increase over February 2025, while imports rose sharply by 21.64% to $80.09 billion.Merchandise exports for February stood at $36.61 billion, slightly lower than $36.91 billion a year ago, while imports climbed to $63.71 billion from $51.33 billion.However, India’s trade deficit narrowed to $27.1 billion in February, from $34.68 billion in the previous month, as imports of gold, silver and energy products moderated, according to the Ministry.
The services sector continued to underpin overall export growth. Services exports rose to $39.53 billion in February 2026 from $31.65 billion a year earlier.Cumulatively, services exports reached $387.93 billion during April–February FY26, up from $351.93 billion last year. Services imports were estimated at $186.98 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $200.96 billion—significantly higher than $170.69 billion in the previous year.
Key sectors drive export performance
Several sectors recorded notable growth in February. Engineering goods exports rose 12.9% to $10.36 billion, while electronic goods grew 10.37% to $4.18 billion. Organic and inorganic chemicals expanded 6.85%, and gems and jewellery exports increased 4.08%.Agri-linked segments also performed strongly, with meat, dairy, and poultry products registering a sharp 22.66% growth. Other sectors such as coffee, marine products, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts, and cereals also reported positive trends.Exports excluding petroleum and gems & jewellery stood at $30.55 billion in February, compared to $28.66 billion a year ago. For the April–February period, such exports rose to $327.96 billion from $310.25 billion.
Key markets and import sources
•India’s exports saw notable growth in markets such as China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Togo, and Sri Lanka in February.
•Over the April–February period, outbound shipments to the United States, United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Hong Kong also recorded strong growth.
•On the import side, higher inflows were seen from China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Peru.
Despite a widening merchandise trade deficit during the fiscal period, the narrowing gap in February alongside strong services exports highlights improving trade dynamics and the growing role of the services sector in supporting India’s external balance.

(Business Correspondent)