India’s Merchandise Exports Jump 18% To Six-Month High of USD 45.2 Billion in May

New Delhi, Jun 16 (KNN) India’s merchandise exports grew 18 per cent year-on-year to a six-month high of USD 45.2 billion in May, reflecting the increasing integration of Indian companies into global value chains and the diversification of export markets, according to industry experts.

During April-May 2026-27, exports rose 16.09 per cent to USD 88.91 billion, while imports increased 15.14 per cent to USD 145.35 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 56.44 billion.

Sanjay Budhia, Co-chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Committee on Exports and Managing Director of Patton International Ltd, said the export growth reflects the rising competitiveness of Indian industry and continued global demand for Indian products.

He noted that the strong performance in the first two months of the fiscal year demonstrates the growing participation of Indian enterprises in global value chains and their ability to respond to changing international market requirements.

"Continued focus on market access, trade facilitation, and export competitiveness will be essential to sustain this momentum and further strengthen India's position in global trade," Budhia was quoted by PTI as saying.

Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S.C. Ralhan said key export destinations during April-May 2026-27 included the UAE, Singapore, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

He highlighted that infrastructure upgrades, digital trade facilitation initiatives, free trade agreements (FTAs), production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and export promotion efforts by Indian missions abroad are expected to further enhance the country's export competitiveness.

(KNN Bureau)