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Key Points

India's exports grew by 12.7% in April 2025, reaching $73.8 billion, but imports surged even higher at 15.7%. The trade deficit widened sharply to $8.65 billion, up 50% from last year. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted record annual exports of $825 billion, signaling resilience. However, the widening gap underscores the need to boost export competitiveness amid rising import demand.

Key Points: India's April Exports Rise 12.7% as Imports Surge 15.7%

  • April exports hit $73.8B with 12.7% YoY growth
  • Imports surge 15.7% to $82.45B widening trade gap
  • Trade deficit jumps 50% to $8.65B compared to last year
  • Merchandise exports rise 9% while imports spike 19.12%
2 min read

India's exports rise 12.7% in April, but imports outpace with 15.7% surge YoY

India's trade deficit widens to $8.65B as imports outpace exports in April 2025, reflecting strong domestic demand.

"We have reached an $825B exports figure in 2024-25, the largest ever – Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal"

New Delhi, May 15

India's overall exports, including merchandise and services, witnessed a rise sharply to USD 73.80 billion in April 2025, marking a 12.7 per cent increase from USD 65.48 billion in the same month last year, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Wednesday.

The data shows that the imports surged at an even faster pace, with overall imports climbed to USD 82.45 billion in April 2025, a 15.7 per cent jump from USD 71.25 billion in April 2024.

Talking about the trade data, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said, "We have reached an USD 825 bn exports figure in 2024-25, which is the largest ever export. That shows that Indian exports and exporters have now achieved that resiliency in their business. Our exports are more resilient."

Due to the difference in the export and import, India's overall trade deficit widened to USD 8.65 billion in the current year, as per the data of the Commerce Ministry. This is a significant 50 per cent increase from USD 5.77 billion a year earlier.

As per the monthly data, India's merchandise exports saw a rise of 9.03 per cent to USD 38.39 billion in April as against USD 35.3 billion in the same month last year.

As per the data, imports saw a rise of 19.12 per cent to USD 64.91 billion in April as against USD 54.49 billion in the same month last year.

India's trade deficit had increased sharply in March 2025 to USD 3.63 billion, as against USD 1.92 billion in the same month of 2024.

The widening gap highlights growing import demand, potentially driven by stronger domestic consumption. The export growth lagged robustly behind import expansion.

While the uptick in trade activity points to strong economic momentum, the growing trade gap highlights the need for continued focus on boosting exports and managing import dependence, particularly in critical sectors.

The trade deficit widened to USD 21.54 billion in March, up from a three-year low of USD 14.05 billion in February.

India's overall export ( Merchandise & Services) has also shown steady growth in March 2025, with both exports and imports registering year-on-year increases.

Official data shows that the total export, which combines merchandise and services, increased to USD 73.61 billion in March 2024, up from USD 71.71 billion in March 2024.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see exports growing but the trade deficit is worrying. We need more Make in India success stories to reduce import dependence, especially in electronics and energy sectors. Hope the new industrial policies help bridge this gap soon.
P
Priya M.
The numbers show our economy is growing but also consuming more! 😊 We should celebrate that Indian businesses are becoming resilient as the Commerce Secretary said. Maybe focus should be on exporting more services - our IT sector can lead this charge!
A
Amit S.
Why is no one talking about the 50% increase in trade deficit? This is serious! We're importing more oil and gold while our manufacturing exports struggle to keep pace. Need better policies to support MSME exporters with easier credit and logistics.
S
Sunita R.
As a small business owner exporting handicrafts, I can say the government's export promotion schemes are helping. But rupee volatility and shipping costs remain challenges. Hope the Commerce Ministry addresses these practical issues on the ground.
V
Vikram J.
The numbers look impressive but we must ask - are we exporting enough high-value products? Still too much raw materials and not enough finished goods. Time to move up the value chain like China did 20 years back. Atmanirbhar Bharat needs more action!
N
Neha T.
Positive growth but the devil is in the details. Our service exports (IT, tourism, healthcare) are doing well but merchandise needs work. Maybe focus on regional FTAs with neighboring countries to boost trade? 🇮🇳 The Bangladesh FTA model seems successful.

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