India’s August exports surge 26pc to USD 43.81 bn; trade deficit narrows

THEBUSINESSBYES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026

India’s exports surged 26.12 per cent year-on-year to USD 43.81 billion in August, while the trade deficit narrowed to USD 26.86 billion, according to government data released on Tuesday.

Imports rose by about 14.1 per cent to USD 70.76 billion during the month, indicating a relatively stronger growth in outbound shipments.

During the April-August period of the current fiscal, exports jumped 17.85 per cent to USD 215.91 billion, while imports increased 18.21 per cent to USD 363 billion, the data showed.

 “Exports are maintaining positive momentum, driven by a mix of sectors such as engineering, petroleum products, chemicals and textiles,” Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said at a press briefing on the trade data.

He said Indian exports witnessed major demand from the US, the European Union, BRICS countries and other emerging economies, signalling broad-based external demand for Indian goods.

A notable trend during the month was a sharp decline in gold imports. India’s gold imports fell 57.7 per cent to USD 2.3 billion in August, compared with USD 5.4 billion in the same month last year.

The latest trade figures come against the backdrop of sustained efforts by the government to expand India’s export footprint and strengthen the country’s position in key global markets.