India enters FY27 with resilient exports, stronger FDI despite wider trade deficit: RBI Bulletin
New Delhi, July 23
India's external sector entered FY27 with resilient merchandise exports and stronger foreign direct investment inflows, although a rise in imports widened the merchandise trade deficit, according to the latest RBI Bulletin.
The bulletin showed that merchandise exports rose to USD 45.14 billion in May 2026, up from USD 43.72 billion in April, led by both oil and non-oil shipments. Non-oil exports increased to USD 36.74 billion in May from USD 33.98 billion a month earlier, indicating broad-based export activity.
Merchandise imports also increased during the month to USD 73.40 billion, compared with USD 71.93 billion in April, largely due to higher oil imports. As a result, the merchandise trade deficit widened marginally to USD 28.26 billion in May from USD 28.21 billion in April.
On the investment front, net foreign direct investment stood at USD 6.5 billion during April-May FY27, significantly higher than USD 2.47 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Gross FDI inflows into India rose to USD 13.77 billion during the first two months of FY27, reflecting continued foreign investor interest.
However, the bulletin showed that portfolio investment remained in net outflow during April-May FY27, at USD 12 billion, resulting in overall foreign investment outflows of USD 5.5 billion during the period despite stronger FDI inflows.
Meanwhile, outstanding non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits stood at USD 165.96 billion in May 2026, while inflows during April-May FY27 amounted to USD 1.33 billion, continuing to provide a stable source of external financing.
The RBI Bulletin data indicate that while higher imports continue to exert pressure on the trade balance, resilient exports and stronger FDI inflows provide support to India's external sector at the start of FY27.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The NRI deposits of USD 165 billion show our diaspora still believes in India's story. That's a solid buffer for external shocks. But we need to address why portfolio investors are pulling out - USD 12 billion in outflows is significant.
Interesting data. The non-oil exports rise is a positive sign. But I wonder how much of this resilience is driven by domestic demand versus global conditions. The trade deficit widening despite export growth suggests we still have a structural import dependency problem.
Finally some good news on FDI! Doubling from last year's numbers is no small feat. Let's hope the government continues with policies that attract more foreign investment. The portfolio outflows are a worry, but perhaps temporary given global rate dynamics.
The trade deficit still at USD 28 billion is troubling. We're importing more than we export, and oil is a big part of that. Need to accelerate renewable energy adoption and boost domestic manufacturing. But kudos to the RBI for highlighting the positives.
As someone analyzing emerging markets, India's FDI resilience stands out. Net FDI at USD 6.5 billion in just two months is impressive. The portfolio outflow is concerning but typical when global rates are high. NRI deposits provide stability that many countries envy.
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