Commerce Ministry review shows India’s best-ever April–Sept exports

India has recorded its highest-ever export performance in the first half of the financial year 2025–26, according to the Year-End Review released by the Department of Commerce on Thursday. Total exports of merchandise and services reached US$ 418.91 billion during April–September 2025, marking the strongest export showing for this period despite ongoing global uncertainties.

The review highlights that the country’s total exports in 2024–25 hit a record US$ 825.25 billion, reflecting annual growth of 6.05%, and this momentum has carried into the current fiscal year.

According to the Commerce Ministry’s assessment, both the first quarter (April–June 2025) and second quarter (July–September 2025) delivered the highest export figures ever recorded for those periods.

The services sector continued to be a key driver of growth, achieving exports worth US$ 387.54 billion in 2024–25, up 13.63% on the previous year, while services exports in April–September 2025 rose 9.34% to US$ 199.03 billion.

Merchandise exports remained steady at US$ 437.70 billion in 2024–25, with non-petroleum exports reaching US$ 374.32 billion. In the first half of the current fiscal year, merchandise exports increased by 2.90% to US$ 219.88 billion.

Key sectors that contributed to export growth in April–September 2025 included electronic goods, engineering goods, drugs and pharmaceuticals, marine products and rice.

The review also noted strong performance in major export destinations, with significant growth from markets such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, China, Spain and Hong Kong.

The Department of Commerce also unveiled a ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission aimed at transforming India’s export ecosystem and improving competitiveness.

The review highlights progress in areas such as expanded market access through trade agreements, digital modernisation to simplify procedures and deeper engagement in free trade negotiations.