India’s August Export Growth Strengthens as Trade Deficit Narrows to USD 9.41 Billion

New Delhi, Sep 15 (KNN) India’s overall exports rose 25.41 per cent year-on-year to an estimated USD 82.68 billion in August 2026, helping narrow the country’s trade deficit to USD 9.41 billion from USD 11.62 billion a year earlier, according to official government data.

The information showed that overall imports also increased to USD 92.09 billion in August from USD 77.55 billion in the corresponding month last year. The faster growth in exports, however, helped contain the trade gap despite the rise in the import bill.

Merchandise exports recorded strong growth, rising 26.12 per cent in dollar terms to USD 43.81 billion in August from USD 34.74 billion a year earlier. In rupee terms, merchandise exports increased 37.59 per cent to Rs 4.18 lakh crore from Rs 3.04 lakh crore.

Merchandise imports rose to USD 70.67 billion in August 2026 from USD 61.96 billion in August 2025, indicating a slower rate of growth compared with merchandise exports.

Services exports also remained strong, with estimated exports rising 24.61 per cent year-on-year to USD 38.87 billion in August from USD 31.19 billion a year earlier. In rupee terms, services exports increased to Rs 3.71 lakh crore from Rs 2.73 lakh crore.

Services imports rose to USD 21.42 billion in August from USD 15.59 billion in the same month last year. Overall exports in rupee terms increased an estimated 36.81 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7.89 lakh crore in August 2026 from Rs 5.77 lakh crore in August 2025.

(KNN Bureau)