Business EconomyPosted at: Jan 15 2026 7:16PM

Hyderabad/New Delhi, Jan 15 (UNI) India’s foreign trade continued to show resilience amid global economic uncertainties, with exports rising 4.33 percent to USD 634.26 billion during April–December 2025, according to data reviewed by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Commenting on the latest trade figures, FIEO President S C Ralhan in a statement on Thursday said the sustained growth reflects the strength, adaptability and rising global competitiveness of Indian exporters, even as world trade faces geo-political tensions, supply-chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and increasing protectionism.
Merchandise exports during the nine-month period grew 2.44 percent to USD 330.29 billion, compared to USD 322.41 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.
Exports in December 2025 alone increased 1.87 percent to USD 38.51 billion, indicating steady demand across major product categories, Ralhan said.
Ralhan attributed the performance to market diversification, value addition and improved product competitiveness, supported by government initiatives such as export facilitation measures, improved logistics, digitisation of trade processes and targeted support for MSMEs.
On the import front, overall imports rose 4.95 per cent to USD 730.84 billion during April–December 2025, while merchandise imports increased 5.90 percent to USD 578.61 billion. Imports in December stood at USD 63.55 billion, resulting in a monthly trade deficit of USD 25 billion, said the president.
According to FIEO, the rise in imports was driven by higher inflows of energy products, electronics, machinery and industrial inputs, signalling robust domestic manufacturing activity, infrastructure expansion and investment demand.
During the period, engineering goods, petroleum products, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, chemicals, readymade garments, textiles, rice and marine products emerged as leading export items, he said and adding that the key imports included petroleum products, electronic goods, gold, machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, coal and iron & steel.
India’s major export destinations remained well diversified, led by the USA, UAE, China, the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, Ralhan noted that such diversification is critical as global trade routes undergo structural shifts due to geo-political conflicts and strategic realignments.
He added that India’s strong engagement with advanced economies alongside expanding ties with emerging markets reinforces the country’s position as a reliable and competitive global trading partner.
Looking ahead, FIEO emphasised the need for continued policy support, faster logistics, stable trade agreements and sustained market diversification to further accelerate India’s export growth.
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