India’s total exports, including merchandise and services, rose 13.59% year-on-year to an estimated $80.80 billion in April 2026, driven by strong growth in engineering goods, electronics and services exports.
Total imports during the month increased 7.67% to an estimated $88.61 billion compared with April 2025.
Merchandise exports cross $43 billion
India’s merchandise exports grew to $43.56 billion in April 2026 from $38.28 billion in the corresponding month last year.
Merchandise imports during the month stood at $71.94 billion, up from $65.38 billion a year earlier.
Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports rose to $31.64 billion in April 2026 compared with $28.66 billion in April 2025, indicating broad-based strength in core export segments.
Services exports remain robust
Services exports also recorded healthy growth, rising to an estimated $37.24 billion in April 2026 from $32.85 billion a year ago.
Services imports were estimated at $16.66 billion, marginally lower than $16.91 billion recorded in April 2025. The strong performance in services trade continued to support India’s overall external sector resilience.
Electronics, engineering goods drive export growth
Among key export categories, Other Cereals recorded the sharpest growth at 210.19%, followed by Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products at 48.03% and Electronic Goods at 40.31%.
Petroleum Products exports grew 34.66%, while Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets rose 26.21%.
Engineering Goods exports, a key indicator of manufacturing activity, registered 8.76% growth during the month.
Other sectors that posted positive export growth included Marine Products, Iron Ore, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Coffee and Plastic products.
Select import categories decline
On the import side, several categories recorded contraction during April 2026. Imports of Chemical Material & Products declined 35.4%, while Pulses imports fell 29.69%.
Imports of Petroleum, Crude & Products dropped 10.03%, reflecting softer energy purchases during the month.
Other segments that saw negative growth included Pearls and Precious Stones, Newsprint, Textile Yarn & Fabrics, Iron & Steel and Machine Tools.
Core imports remain elevated
Meanwhile, non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery imports rose to $45.87 billion in April 2026 from $39.75 billion a year earlier, reflecting continued domestic demand and industrial activity.
The latest trade data points to sustained momentum in India’s export sector despite evolving global economic conditions and supply chain uncertainties.