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India Hits Record $860 Billion Exports in FY26, Powered by March Surge

India's combined merchandise and services exports reached a historic high of $860.09 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Merchandise exports grew to $441.78 billion, with March 2026 recording the highest monthly figure of the year at $38.92 billion. The end-of-year surge was powered by strong performances in petroleum products and engineering goods, alongside growth in minerals, cereals, and handicrafts. This data underscores sustained momentum and a stronger foothold for India in global trade despite economic uncertainties.

Key Points: India's Exports Hit Record $860 Billion in FY26

  • Record $860B total exports
  • Merchandise exports hit $441.78B
  • March surge highest of the year
  • Petroleum & engineering goods lead growth
2 min read

India hits record $860 bn exports in FY26 as petroleum, engineering goods power March surge

India's total exports reached a record $860.09 billion in FY26, driven by a strong March surge in petroleum, engineering goods, and minerals.

"Major drivers of merchandise export growth in March 2026 include Petroleum Products, Engineering Goods, Mica, Coal & Other Ores... - Ministry of Commerce"

New Delhi, April 15

India's exports scaled a fresh peak in FY 2025-26, with combined merchandise and services shipments crossing the $860 billion mark for the first time, underscoring sustained momentum and a stronger foothold in global trade.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's latest data, cumulative exports of merchandise and services stood at US$ 860.09 billion during April-March FY26, compared to US$ 825.26 billion in FY25, reflecting a 4.22% year-on-year increase and setting a new record.

Merchandise exports, while growing at a slower pace, still registered an uptick. Outbound shipments of goods reached US$ 441.78 billion in FY26, up from US$ 437.70 billion in the previous fiscal, marking a 0.93% rise. The fiscal year closed on a high, with March 2026 recording merchandise exports of US$ 38.92 billion, the highest monthly figure of the year.

The end-of-year acceleration was driven by a mix of core industrial sectors and resource-based exports. Petroleum products remained a key contributor, supported by steady global demand and India's robust refining capacity. Engineering goods also played a crucial role, reflecting sustained demand for machinery, automobile components, and industrial equipment.

"Major drivers of merchandise export growth in March 2026 include Petroleum Products, Engineering Goods, Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals, Other cereals and Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet," the Ministry posted on X. These sectors "continue to contribute significantly to India's export expansion and sectoral strength."

Notably, the minerals segment posted strong gains. Exports of mica, coal, and other ores, along with processed minerals, rose 11.27% to US$ 0.58 billion in March 2026 from US$ 0.52 billion a year earlier, indicating continued traction and increased value addition within the sector.

In addition, exports of other cereals and handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets) contributed to the growth momentum, highlighting the resilience of agriculture-linked and artisanal segments alongside industrial exports.

While services exports were the primary driver behind the overall record, merchandise trade managed to sustain positive growth despite global uncertainties. The March surge signals improved supply chain activity and stronger order flows toward the close of the fiscal year, with petroleum and engineering goods providing scale, and minerals, cereals, and handicrafts adding diversification to India's export basket.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see handicrafts and other cereals also contributing. It's important that our traditional and agricultural sectors are part of this growth story, not just petroleum and heavy industry. Well done to our artisans and farmers!
R
Rohit P
While the headline number is impressive, the merchandise export growth is only 0.93%. That's a bit worrying. We are still too dependent on petroleum. Need more push on electronics and tech exports.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the engineering goods sector, I can confirm the order flow has been strong. The March surge mentioned in the article is real. Good to see data backing up what we're experiencing on the ground.
V
Vikram M
The minerals segment growth of over 11% is a quiet achiever. Processed minerals mean more value addition within India before export. That's the key to long-term strength, not just shipping raw materials.
K
Kavya N
Record exports are good, but is the trade deficit shrinking? And how much of this is due to the weaker rupee? Would love to see a deeper analysis on the real economic impact for the common person.

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