India’s total exports, combining merchandise and services, increased 10.99% year-on-year to an estimated US$80.75 billion in September 2026, compared with US$72.76 billion in September 2025, according to official trade data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi. Total imports rose 8.19% to US$94.05 billion, narrowing the monthly combined trade deficit to US$13.30 billion from US$14.17 billion a year earlier.
During April–September 2026-27, India’s cumulative exports reached an estimated US$476.20 billion, registering 13.84% growth from US$418.31 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26. Cumulative imports increased 15.68% to US$551.13 billion, resulting in an overall trade deficit of US$74.93 billion.
Merchandise Exports Driven by Electronics and Engineering Goods
India’s merchandise exports increased to US$44.40 billion in September 2026, compared with US$36.08 billion in September 2025. Merchandise imports reached US$74.61 billion, up from US$69.08 billion in the year-ago period.
For April–September 2026-27, merchandise exports totalled US$259.89 billion, while merchandise imports stood at US$437.53 billion, resulting in a merchandise trade deficit of US$177.64 billion. Non-petroleum exports reached US$218.70 billion during the six-month period, advancing 15.56% year-on-year.
Electronic Goods led major merchandise export sectors in September, with shipments surging 70.44% to US$5.31 billion from US$3.11 billion a year earlier. Petroleum Products exports rose 31.90% to US$6.22 billion, Organic and Inorganic Chemicals increased 24.21% to US$2.94 billion, and Engineering Goods advanced 20.91% to US$12.17 billion.
On the import side, significant year-on-year contractions were recorded in Project Goods, down 86.85%; Gold, down 81.27%; and Silver, down 49.11%.
Services Trade Surplus and Regional Partner Shifts
India’s estimated services exports stood at US$36.35 billion in September 2026, compared with services imports of US$19.44 billion. The Reserve Bank of India’s latest available underlying services trade figures covered August 2026, meaning September figures remain estimates.
During April–September 2026-27, services exports increased 8.69% to US$216.31 billion, while services imports reached US$113.60 billion. This generated a services trade surplus of US$102.71 billion, compared with US$98.77 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Among major export destinations, India’s exports to Singapore rose 169.16% year-on-year in September 2026. Exports to Malaysia increased 119.69%, Egypt climbed 90.09%, the United States advanced 47.99%, and China grew 24.05%.
Over April–September 2026-27, Singapore and Tanzania recorded export growth of 103.05% and 122.51%, respectively, among the leading export destinations. On the import side, growth was led by Oman at 210.90% and Brazil at 143.13%.
Q1. What were India's total exports in September 2026?
India’s combined merchandise and services exports were estimated at US$80.75 billion in September 2026, representing 10.99% year-on-year growth.
Q2. What was India's merchandise trade deficit during April–September 2026-27?
India’s merchandise trade deficit stood at US$177.64 billion during April–September 2026-27, compared with US$156.88 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26.
Q3. Which export sector recorded the highest growth in September 2026?
Electronic Goods recorded the highest growth among the major export sectors highlighted, increasing 70.44% to US$5.31 billion from US$3.11 billion in September 2025.
Q4. What was India's services trade surplus in the first half of FY2026-27?
India’s services trade surplus reached US$102.71 billion during April–September 2026-27, compared with US$98.77 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Q5. Which country recorded the highest export growth from India in September 2026?
Singapore recorded the highest percentage growth among the destinations highlighted, with Indian exports increasing 169.16% year-on-year.
