India’s exports have surged approximately 15% in the first four months of the fiscal year, defying global headwinds, with the government optimistic about reaching a $1 trillion export goal by 2026-27, bolstered by new free trade pacts and improving competitiveness.
India’s exports rose by about 15% in the first four months of the current fiscal year despite global uncertainty, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday, as he reiterated confidence that the country will reach a $1 trillion export target in 2026-27.
Goyal said the latest figures show strong momentum in trade even as exporters face external headwinds, including tariff pressure and volatile international conditions. Industry reporting cited by the India Brand Equity Foundation said merchandise exports climbed about 15% year on year through June 14, while recent trade data showed shipments hit a six-month high in May. The minister has argued that the trend reflects stronger competitiveness, broader market access and deeper integration into global supply chains.
He also pointed to the government’s push on free trade agreements, saying nine pacts finalised in the past four years have created major opportunities for domestic industry and together cover roughly two-thirds of world trade. LiveMint reported that India expects all nine agreements to become operational within the next 9 to 10 months, including deals with the UAE, Australia, Mauritius, Oman, the UK and the European Free Trade Association bloc.
The trade numbers released so far suggest the export recovery is broad-based, but imports have also remained strong. For April-June, exports rose 15.92% to $129.32 billion, while imports increased 19.89% to $216.18 billion, widening the trade gap. The government is due to release the final July trade data on August 13.
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