India’s Exports Rise 4.22% To USD 860 Billion In FY26

India's export sector reaches a record USD 860.09 billion in FY2025-26, with services driving growth and merchandise contributing modest gains. March 2026 exports show a strong finish, underscored by petroleum products, engineering goods, and minerals, reflecting a diversified export mix amid global headwinds.

India’s export sector posts a new high in FY 2025-26, with combined merchandise and services exports touching US$ 860.09 billion, up from US$ 825.26 billion in FY25. This 4.22% rise, based on Ministry of Commerce and Industry data for April-March FY26, signals resilient trade performance despite a challenging global backdrop and confirms a stronger presence for India in international markets.

The ministry figures show merchandise exports holding steady, while services exports drive most of the overall jump. Goods shipments climbed modestly to US$ 441.78 billion in FY26, compared with US$ 437.70 billion a year earlier, a 0.93% increase. Services performance, though not detailed in the release, lifts the total to its highest level so far for any financial year.

India exports: March 2026 surge caps record FY26 performance

The financial year finished on a strong note for India exports, with March 2026 merchandise exports reaching US$ 38.92 billion, the highest monthly reading of FY26. This late surge hints at firmer demand and smoother supply chains toward year-end. It also suggests stronger order books in several large sectors that support both industrial activity and related services.

According to the ministry, “Major drivers of merchandise export growth in March 2026 include Petroleum Products, Engineering Goods, Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals, Other cereals and Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet.” The post on X added that these sectors “continue to contribute significantly to India's export expansion and sectoral strength.” This mix shows reliance on both heavy industry and resource-based categories.

India exports: sector-wise performance and March 2026 numbers

Within India exports, petroleum products again feature prominently. Steady global fuel demand, combined with India’s refining capacity, supports outbound shipments. Engineering goods also prove important, with exporters of machinery, automobile components, and industrial equipment benefiting from stable overseas orders. These two categories provide much of the scale that underpins the March 2026 merchandise figures.

The minerals segment posts one of the sharper gains within India exports. Shipments of mica, coal, other ores and processed minerals total US$ 0.58 billion in March 2026. This compares with US$ 0.52 billion in March 2025, an 11.27% rise. The numbers point to firm demand and some increase in value addition in mineral-related exports.

India exports linked to agriculture and artisans also add to the growth picture. Other cereals record higher shipments, reflecting continued interest in Indian farm produce in overseas markets. Handicrafts, excluding handmade carpets, support earnings for small producers and craft clusters. Together, these segments provide diversity to the export basket, alongside larger industrial and petroleum categories.

The headline export numbers for FY26 can be summarised as follows:

Overall, India exports in FY 2025-26 show that services remain the main growth engine, while merchandise trade still edges higher despite uncertain global conditions. The strong March 2026 performance, led by petroleum, engineering goods, minerals, cereals and handicrafts, suggests broader sectoral support for exports as the new financial year begins.

With inputs from ANI