New Delhi, 15 October (H.S.):

India’s merchandise exports registered a strong increase ahead of Diwali, rising 23.04 per cent year-on-year to $44.40 billion in September, while the merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $30.21 billion. Exports stood at $36.08 billion in September last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The trade deficit was also lower than the $33 billion recorded in September 2025.

According to the ministry’s figures, imports increased by approximately 8 per cent, rising from $69.08 billion to $74.61 billion during the month. Despite the increase in imports, the merchandise trade deficit declined to $30.21 billion from $33 billion a year earlier.

Exports Record Strong Growth in the First Half of FY 2026–27

The ministry reported that India’s merchandise exports rose 18.51 per cent to $259.89 billion during the first half of the current financial year, covering April to September 2026. Imports during the same period increased 16.31 per cent to $437.53 billion.

The figures indicate continued growth in India’s external trade, with exports registering a faster rate of expansion than imports in September.

Electronics, Petroleum and Engineering Goods Drive Export Growth

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said India’s merchandise exports reached $44.40 billion in September, representing a 23.04 per cent increase compared with the corresponding month last year.

He attributed the growth to higher shipments of electronic goods, petroleum products, engineering goods, chemicals and agricultural products.

The latest figures offer an encouraging signal for India’s export sector ahead of the festive season, while the narrowing trade deficit indicates an improvement in the monthly merchandise trade balance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar