New Delhi, 21 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that despite prevailing global economic uncertainties, India's merchandise exports recorded an approximately 15 per cent growth during the current financial year 2026-27 from April 1 to June 14. In May alone, the country's exports surged 18 per cent to reach USD 45.2 billion, marking the highest monthly level in the past six months.

The Union Commerce and Industry Minister made these remarks while interacting with Chartered Accountants on the occasion of International Yoga Day in Mumbai. He said that despite the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff by the United States, India's exports registered robust growth during the previous financial year 2025-26. Referring to the available data for April, May and the first 14 days of June, Goyal said that exports had increased by 15 per cent during the period. He added that the country's trade deficit during the same period widened to USD 28.21 billion. During his address, Goyal also urged Chartered Accountants to play an active role in building a developed India.

Piyush Goyal further stated that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the 27-member European Union (EU) is expected to be signed by December and is likely to come into effect during February or March next year. India and the European Union had announced the conclusion of negotiations on January 27 this year.

The Ministry of Commerce is scheduled to release the official export-import data for June on July 15. According to data released by the ministry, India's exports during April-May of FY 2026-27 rose 16.09 per cent to USD 88.91 billion, while imports increased 15.14 per cent to USD 145.35 billion. The country's trade deficit during the period stood at USD 56.44 billion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar