Merchandise Exports Grow 15% Despite Global Uncertainties: Goyal

New Delhi, Jun 22 (KNN) India's merchandise exports registered robust growth of around 15 percent during April to June 14 despite global economic uncertainties and higher US tariffs, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

Addressing chartered accountants in Mumbai over the weekend, Goyal said export performance has remained resilient in the current financial year despite evolving global trade challenges.

The Commerce Ministry is scheduled to release official trade figures for June on July 15.

Exports Rise Despite Higher US Tariffs

The minister noted that India's exports have continued to expand despite the United States imposing additional tariffs on several trading partners. Merchandise exports had risen 18 percent year-on-year to a six-month high of USD 45.2 billion in May.

During April-May 2026-27, exports grew 16.09 percent to USD 88.91 billion, while imports increased 15.14 percent to USD 145.35 billion. The country's trade deficit stood at USD 56.44 billion during the two-month period.

Goyal also called upon chartered accountants to contribute towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', emphasising the importance of strengthening India's economic competitiveness and growth trajectory.

India-US Trade Talks to Resume This Week

Meanwhile, he confirmed that discussions on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement will continue this week, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer scheduled to visit New Delhi for high-level talks.

The two-day ministerial discussions, scheduled for June 23-24, are expected to focus on finalising the framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement.

Ministerial Meeting to Shape Trade Framework

The talks follow chief negotiator-level discussions held in New Delhi earlier this month and come against the backdrop of proposed additional US tariffs on imports from several countries, including India, over concerns related to forced labour provisions under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal had recently indicated that the ministerial meeting is expected to give final shape to the broad contours of the proposed trade framework between the two countries.

(KNN Bureau)