Total Export of India: Latest Data, Growth Drivers & Trade Trends

India’s growing presence in global trade is clearly reflected in the steady rise of the total export of India over the past few years. From merchandise shipments to high-value services exports, India continues to strengthen its position in the global economy. The latest trade data for FY 2025–26 highlights consistent expansion across multiple sectors, supported by policy reforms, manufacturing growth, and strong services performance.

What Is the Total Export of India?

The total export of India refers to the combined value of goods and services exported from the country to international markets during a specific period. It includes merchandise exports such as engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, petroleum products, electronics, and textiles, as well as services exports including IT services, consulting, financial services, and business process outsourcing.

This combined measure provides a comprehensive picture of India’s global trade performance and economic competitiveness.

Latest Data on the Total Export of India in FY 2025–26

According to the latest estimates, India’s total exports during April–January 2025–26 reached US$ 720.76 billion, compared to US$ 679.02 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, marking a growth of 6.15%.

Breaking this down further, merchandise exports during April–January 2025–26 stood at US$ 366.63 billion, showing moderate growth over the previous year’s US$ 358.75 billion. Meanwhile, services exports demonstrated stronger momentum, reaching US$ 354.13 billion compared to US$ 320.28 billion in the same period last year. This indicates that services continue to play a crucial role in expanding the total export of India.

In January 2026 alone, total exports were estimated at US$ 80.45 billion, compared to US$ 71.09 billion in January 2025, reflecting a 13.17% increase. Of this, merchandise exports accounted for US$ 36.56 billion, while services exports contributed US$ 43.90 billion. The surge in services exports significantly strengthened overall export performance during the month.

Merchandise Export Performance and Sector-Wise Growth

Merchandise exports remain a core component of the total export of India. Several sectors recorded strong year-on-year growth in January 2026.

Engineering goods exports increased by over 10%, continuing to be one of the largest contributors to India’s merchandise trade. Petroleum products also registered solid growth of nearly 9%, indicating stable global demand. Meat, dairy, and poultry products recorded growth close to 18%, while marine products saw an increase of more than 13%. Iron ore exports experienced one of the highest growth rates, rising by over 30% compared to the same month last year.

In addition, exports of other cereals, coffee, processed minerals, fruits and vegetables, man-made yarns, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and electronic goods also recorded positive growth trends. This broad-based sectoral expansion reinforces the structural strength of the total export of India.

Non-Petroleum Export Trends

Non-petroleum exports are often viewed as a strong indicator of diversified export growth. During April–January 2025–26, non-petroleum exports exceeded US$ 320 billion, registering nearly 5% growth year-on-year. Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports also showed steady expansion.

This suggests that export growth is not solely dependent on volatile commodity categories but is supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and value-added sectors.

Services Exports: The Backbone of India’s Trade Growth

Services exports continue to anchor the total export of India. In January 2026, services exports were estimated at US$ 43.90 billion, significantly higher than the previous year’s level. During April–January 2025–26, services exports reached US$ 354.13 billion, marking double-digit growth.

India maintains a strong services trade surplus, which helps offset merchandise trade deficits. IT services, digital solutions, consulting, financial services, and other knowledge-based exports remain key contributors. The expansion of digital infrastructure and global outsourcing demand further strengthens this segment.

Top Export Destinations Supporting Growth

India’s export growth is driven by rising demand from key global markets. Significant positive growth has been observed in exports to the United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong, the United States, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. These markets play a critical role in sustaining the upward trend in the total export of India.

Diversification across export destinations reduces dependency on a single region and improves resilience against geopolitical and economic fluctuations.

Trade Balance and Import Trends

While exports have grown steadily, imports have also increased. During April–January 2025–26, total imports were estimated at US$ 823.41 billion. As a result, the trade deficit widened compared to the previous year. However, the robust services surplus continues to cushion the overall trade balance.

Some import categories such as pulses, newsprint, certain chemicals, iron and steel, and coal recorded negative growth in January 2026, while imports from countries like China, the United States, the UAE, and Singapore increased during the fiscal period.

Why the Total Export of India Matters for Economic Growth

The rise in the total export of India has wide-ranging economic implications. Export growth strengthens foreign exchange reserves, boosts industrial production, generates employment, and enhances India’s integration into global value chains. It also attracts foreign direct investment and encourages technology transfer.

A consistent increase in exports reflects improved competitiveness, quality standards, and policy support. With expanding services and diversified merchandise sectors, India is positioning itself as a major global trade hub.

How ShiprocketX Supports Businesses Contributing to the Total Export of India

As the total export of India continues to grow, efficient cross-border logistics becomes essential for Indian businesses looking to scale globally.

ShiprocketX helps Indian eCommerce brands and exporters simplify international shipping while optimising costs and compliance. With ShiprocketX, businesses can choose from multiple international courier partners to find the most cost-effective and reliable delivery options for each destination. Sellers can access discounted bulk shipping rates that reduce per-unit export costs when shipping multiple international orders.

The platform also simplifies customs clearance and documentation, ensuring smooth compliance with country-specific import and export regulations and reducing shipment delays. Businesses can opt for in-house shipment insurance to protect high-value or fragile shipments at competitive rates compared to third-party providers. Faster pickups and centralised tracking enable real-time monitoring from warehouse dispatch to final international delivery.

By integrating technology, courier aggregation, and compliance support, ShiprocketX empowers Indian sellers to expand their global footprint and actively contribute to the growing total export of India while maintaining cost efficiency and consistent customer experience across borders.

Future Outlook for India’s Export Growth

With continued focus on trade agreements, Production Linked Incentive schemes, manufacturing expansion, and digital trade enablement, India’s export ecosystem is expected to strengthen further. Emerging sectors such as electronics manufacturing, renewable energy components, specialty chemicals, and advanced services are likely to play an increasingly important role.

As infrastructure improves and businesses adopt technology-driven export solutions, the total export of India is poised for sustained long-term growth.