Editor’s Note
India’s export sector shows robust growth in 2025, with merchandise and service exports rising 2.31% and 8.65% respectively during April-August. Key markets including the U.S., China, and the UAE are driving this expansion.
In August 2025, Indian exports registered a positive growth of 4.77% vs. August 2024.
Exports increased by 5.19% to USD 346.10 billion in April-August 2025 in comparison to April-August 2024.
Merchandise export rose by 2.31% and service export surged by 8.65% in April-August 2025.
India’s exports to Hong Kong, China, USA, Germany, Korea, UAE, Nepal, Belgium, Bangladesh, and Brazil have climbed the ladder of growth in April-August 2025 vs. April-August 2024.
The journey of Indian exports is a result of innovation with global integration. Starting from the Silk Route to post-liberalisation boom, exports have been diversified from spices and textiles to technology, pharmaceutical, and engineering goods. According to World Bank Data, the world’s export is growing at 2.5%, whereas India’s export is growing at 7.1% (2024) outpacing global growth, and indicating the progress of the country on the international front.
The share of exports in Indian GDP has increased from 19.8% in 2015 to 21.2% in 2024, which also indicates the growing relevance of exports in the Indian economy (World Bank). India’s trade performance continued its trend of growth in the first five months of FY 2025–26 too.
- 5.19% growth in total exports (merchandise and service exports combined) in April-August 2025 vs. April-August 2024
- Total export value for April–August 2025 stood at USD 346.10 billion, compared to USD 329.03 billion in April-August 2024
- The share of merchandise exports in April-August 2025 was 53.09%
- Service exports accounted for 46.91% in April-August 2025
- 4.77% growth in exports experienced in August 2025 vs. August 2024
Acknowledging this growth trajectory, the government has also set a target of USD 1 trillion of exports in the current financial year 2025-26 out of which 34.61% has already been achieved in the first five months.
India’s merchandise export is on an upward trajectory in 2025. It registered healthy growth of 2.31% in April-August 2025 where exports were USD 183.74 billion as compared to USD 179.60 billion during April-August 2024.
However, out of five months, 19% of the merchandise exports were done in August 2025 only, with 6.65% rise from last year.
India’s non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports raised to USD 146.70 billion in April–August 2025 from USD 136.13 billion a year earlier, reflecting strong growth of 7.76%.
This category highlights India’s export strength driven by engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and others.
Commodities such as electronic goods, tea, mica & coal, textiles etc., registered impressive growth in April-August 2025 compared to last year.
Electronic goods led the growth momentum, with exports rising by USD 5.51 billion, which is 40.63% rise in April-August 2025 compared to the prior corresponding period. The commodity excelled in August 2025 as well, with 25.91% growth in comparison to last year.
In the last 10 years, production of electronic goods increased 6x and export of electronic goods increased 8x. Indian electronic goods exports are rising, with major markets including the USA, UAE, China, Netherlands and UK, driven by Make in India and PLI schemes.
Smartphones remain one of the key growth drivers, with India transforming from a net importer to a net exporter. Smartphone exports have crossed INR 1 lakh crore within just five months of FY26, which is 55% higher than the same period in the last fiscal.
India’s exports of other cereals grew by 21.95% in April–August 2025 in comparison to April-August 2024. This includes Rye, Barley, Oats, Fonio, Quinoa, etc, and excludes Wheat, Rice, Maize, and Millet.
One of the reasons behind the rise in global demand for other cereals is the awareness towards nutritious and health-conscious food products. With India’s rich agricultural heritage, these cereals add to agricultural diversity, enhancing food security and providing new export opportunities. Top export destinations are Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
Meat, dairy, and poultry products experienced 20.29% growth in April-August 2025 when compared to the previous year.
17.69% rise was also noted during August 2025 in comparison to August 2024. Vietnam, UAE, Egypt, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are some of the importers of Indian meat, dairy, and poultry products.
The rise in exports has been catalysed by various government initiatives. For instance, Agriculture Export Policy offers an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access and provides benefits to farmers to avail export opportunities.
