FIEO Optimistic on Sustained Momentum in India’s Foreign Trade

New Delhi, January 15, 2025: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has expressed strong optimism over the sustained and broad-based growth in India’s foreign trade, as reflected in the December 2025 trade data. The performance assumes greater significance against the backdrop of ongoing geo-political tensions, supply-chain realignments, inflationary pressures and rising protectionism across major economies.
 
Commenting on the data, S C Ralhan, President, FIEO, stated that the continued expansion of India’s exports during April–December 2025 is a clear testament to the resilience, agility and growing global competitiveness of Indian exporters. He emphasized that exporters have not only weathered global uncertainties but have also capitalized on emerging opportunities through market diversification, value addition and product competitiveness, aided by a supportive policy ecosystem.
 
India’s overall exports during April–December 2025 rose by 4.33% to USD 634.26 billion, compared to USD 607.93 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. Merchandise exports during the period stood at USD 330.29 billion, registering a growth of 2.44% over USD 322.41 billion in April–December 2024–25. Exports in December 2025 alone grew by 1.87% to USD 38.51 billion, reflecting sustained demand across key product segments.
 
Ralhan noted that this performance is particularly encouraging given the volatility in global trade flows, and reflects the effectiveness of Government initiatives aimed at boosting exports, including policy continuity, export facilitation measures, improved logistics, digitisation of trade processes and focused support to MSME exporters.
 
On the import side, India’s overall imports during April–December 2025 increased by 4.95% to USD 730.84 billion, as compared to USD 696.37 billion in the same period last year. Merchandise imports rose by 5.90% to USD 578.61 billion, up from USD 546.36 billion in April–December 2024–25. Imports in December 2025 stood at USD 63.55 billion, compared to USD 58.43 billion a year ago, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 25 billion for the month.

Explaining the rise in imports, Ralhan pointed out that higher inflows of energy products, electronics, machinery and industrial inputs are indicative of robust domestic manufacturing activity, infrastructure expansion and investment demand, which augur well for medium-term economic growth.
 
During April–December 2025, Engineering Goods, Petroleum Products, Electronic Goods, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewellery, Chemicals, Readymade Garments, Cotton Textiles, Handloom Products, Rice and Marine Products emerged as the top export items. On the import side, key commodities included Petroleum Products, Electronic Goods, Gold, Machinery, Transport Equipment, Non-ferrous Metals, Chemicals, Coal, Plastics and Iron & Steel.
 
Ralhan further highlighted that India’s top export destinations—USA, UAE, China, the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong—demonstrate a well-diversified and resilient export footprint. This diversification is particularly critical at a time when global trade routes are being reshaped due to geo-political conflicts, sanctions, shipping disruptions and strategic realignments.
 
He added that India’s continued strong engagement with advanced economies such as the USA and Europe, alongside deepening trade ties with emerging markets and regional partners, reinforces India’s standing as a reliable, trusted and competitive global trading partner. Growing exports to Bangladesh, Singapore and Saudi Arabia also underscore the importance of regional integration, South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.
 
Ralhan reiterated that the commendable export performance is the outcome of the collective efforts of India’s exporters and the Government’s proactive and facilitative trade policies. Going forward, he emphasized that continued policy support, faster logistics, stable trade agreements and sustained focus on market diversification will be critical to further accelerate India’s export growth trajectory.