India Merchandise Exports Surge 26.10% in August 2026

India merchandise exports rose by 26.10 per cent to $43.81 billion in August 2026 compared to $34.74 billion in August 2025, driven by a jump in petroleum product shipments according to commerce ministry data. This August export growth was the highest recorded since June 2022 when shipments had risen 30.12 per cent.

August 2026 Trade Figures

The latest trade data reveals significant movement across imports and exports for the month of August.

• Merchandise imports grew by 14.05 per cent year-on-year to $70.67 billion in August 2026, up from $61.96 billion in August 2025.
• Gold imports dipped to $2.3 billion in August 2026 from $5.4 billion in August 2025, registering a decline of 57.7 per cent.
• Trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low of $26.86 billion in August due to the dip in gold imports.

April-August Performance Metrics

Merchandise exports during April-August 2026-27 reached $215.91 billion compared to $183.21 billion during April-August 2025-26. Merchandise imports during April-August 2026-27 totaled $363.00 billion compared to $307.09 billion during April-August 2025-26. Merchandise trade deficit during April-August 2026-27 stood at $147.09 billion compared to $123.88 billion during April-August 2025-26.

Core Sector Shipments

Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in August 2026 hit $34.68 billion compared to $28.26 billion in August 2025. Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in April-August 2026-27 were $168.69 billion compared to $146.52 billion in April-August 2025-26. Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery imports in August 2026 recorded $49.22 billion compared to $41.39 billion in August 2025. Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery imports in April-August 2026-27 reached $241.24 billion compared to $202.34 billion in April-August 2025-26.