India's exports to the US up 27% amid overall 9% merchandise export growth

India’s merchandise exports registered a healthy 9.02% growth year on year in April, as the value of exports touched $38.49 billion as compared to $35.3 billion in April 2024. The promising start was led by non-petroleum exports, which touched $31.11 billion during the month, an increase of 10.1% as compared to $28.26 billion in April 2024.

Exports to the U.S grew 27.31% during the month, an indication of additional orders that could have happened to beat the tariff threat issued by U.S President Donald Trump early this year.

According to the Commerce Ministry’s monthly trade data, electronic goods exports increased by 39.51% during the month (from $2.65 billion in April 2024 to $3.69 billion in April 2025) while engineering goods exports registered a 11.28% growth -- $8.55 billion in April 2024 to $9.51 billion in April 2025. Gems & Jewellery exports also recorded double-digit growth to touch $2.5 billion in April 2025.

Other major export destinations that saw strong growth in April 2025 vis-à-vis April 2024 include the UAE (33.65%) and Australia (74.16%). “India’s trade performance in April 2025 signals a promising start to the fiscal year, reflecting the resilience, adaptability, and global competitiveness of Indian exporters, said S C Ralhan, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

A statement issued by the Commerce Ministry said that the overall exports (which include the early estimate of service exports for April) rose to $73.80 billion, a 12.71% increase year-on-year.

Imports also grew as merchandise imports during the month were at $64.91 billion, and overall imports touched $82.45 billion, driven by energy demand and a rebound in domestic manufacturing.

“The growth underscores the robust fundamentals of Indian exports despite global headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, inflationary trends, and supply chain disruptions,” said Ralhan. “Exporters have responded with agility and innovation, supported by rising demand across key sectors.”

Ralhan also emphasised that sustaining this momentum will require continued support through stable policy, enhanced trade facilitation, improved logistics, and timely conclusion of FTAs, especially with the UK, US, EU, Oman, and GCC countries.

"Access to affordable credit, particularly for MSMEs, along with timely disbursal of incentives like Interest Equalisation, RoDTEP, and other export benefits, will be vital to maintaining export competitiveness and achieving ambitious growth targets,” he said.