India’s Exports Surge in April 2025: A Robust Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, released its latest data, showcasing a strong performance in India’s export sector for April 2025. The figures highlight a significant growth trajectory, despite global economic uncertainties, with total exports (merchandise and services combined) reaching an estimated US$ 73.80 billion, marking a 12.70% increase from US$ 65.48 billion in April 2024.
Total Trade Overview
India’s total exports for April 2025 grew by 12.70% compared to the same period last year, while imports rose by 15.72%, reaching US$ 82.45 billion from US$ 71.25 billion in April 2024. This resulted in a trade deficit of US$ 8.65 billion, up from US$ 5.77 billion in April 2024. The data for the services sector is an estimation, as the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) figures are available only up to March 2025, with revisions expected in subsequent releases. India’s Exports Surge in April 2025.
Merchandise Trade Performance : India’s Exports Surge
Merchandise exports in April 2025 stood at US$ 38.49 billion, reflecting a 9.02% growth over US$ 35.30 billion in April 2024. Key sectors driving this growth included Electronic Goods, which surged by 39.51% to US$ 3.69 billion from US$ 2.65 billion, and Engineering Goods, which grew by 11.28% to US$ 9.51 billion from US$ 8.55 billion. Other notable performers were Gems & Jewellery (up 10.74% to US$ 2.5 billion), RMG of all Textiles (up 14.43% to US$ 1.37 billion), Rice (up 13.63% to US$ 1.08 billion), and Marine Products (up 17.81% to US$ 0.58 billion). Drugs & Pharmaceuticals also saw a modest increase of 2.37%, reaching US$ 2.49 billion.
Non-petroleum exports recorded a 10.10% rise, totaling US$ 31.11 billion compared to US$ 28.26 billion in April 2024. Meanwhile, non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports grew to US$ 28.61 billion from US$ 26 billion. On the import side, merchandise imports increased to US$ 64.91 billion, a 19.12% jump from US$ 54.49 billion in April 2024. Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery imports rose to US$ 39.27 billion from US$ 33.26 billion.
Services Trade Growth : India’s Exports Surge in April 2025
Exports (Services) in April 2025 were estimated at US$ 35.31 billion, a 17.01% increase from US$ 30.18 billion in April 2024. Imports (Services) grew marginally by 4.65%, reaching US$ 17.54 billion from US$ 16.76 billion. This robust growth in services exports underscores India’s increasing competitiveness in sectors like IT, consulting, and professional services. India’s Exports Surge in April 2025.
Sectoral Highlights
Several sectors recorded impressive growth in April 2025 compared to the previous year:
- Tobacco exports soared by 66.43%, followed by Coffee at 47.85%.
- Mica, Coal & Other Ores grew by 34.43%, while Fruits & Vegetables exports rose by 30.72%.
- Tea (15.93%), Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products (15.85%), and Spices (8.38%) also showed positive growth.
- Sectors like Petroleum Products (4.68%), Plastic & Linoleum (4.58%), and Leather & Leather Products (3.91%) recorded moderate gains.
On the import side, declines were noted in categories like Pulses (-23.5%), Newsprint (-14.4%), Coal, Coke & Briquettes (-12.28%), and Vegetable Oil (-8.09%), reflecting a shift in domestic demand or supply dynamics.
Key Export and Import Destinations
India’s top export destinations showing significant growth in April 2025 included Kenya (132.44%), Tanzania (87.2%), Australia (74.16%), UAE (33.65%), and the USA (27.31%). On the import front, Ireland led with a staggering 425.65% increase, followed by UAE (88.97%), USA (63.76%), China (27.08%), and Russia (17.82%).
Summary
India’s trade performance in April 2025 reflects a resilient economy, with strong growth in both merchandise and services exports. Despite a widening trade deficit, the surge in non-petroleum exports and high-growth sectors like electronics and engineering goods signals a positive outlook. However, rising imports, particularly from countries like Ireland and UAE, warrant close monitoring to ensure a balanced trade strategy. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry continues to focus on diversifying export markets and enhancing competitiveness to sustain this momentum.
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