India’s Export Sector Begins FY 2025–26 on a Strong Note: FIEO President, S C Ralhan

India’s trade performance in April 2025 signals a promising start to the fiscal year, reflecting the resilience, adaptability, and global competitiveness of Indian exporters, said S C Ralhan, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Merchandise exports stood at USD 38.49 billion, a growth of 9.03% over April 2024, while overall exports (merchandise + services) rose to USD 73.80 billion, reflecting a healthy increase of 12.71% year-on-year. Imports also grew—merchandise imports reaching USD 64.91 billion and overall imports touching USD 82.45 billion, driven by energy demand and a rebound in domestic manufacturing.

“The growth underscores the robust fundamentals of Indian exports despite global headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, inflationary trends, and supply chain disruptions,” said Ralhan. “Exporters have responded with agility and innovation, supported by rising demand across key sectors.”
 
Leading the export growth were Engineering Goods, Petroleum Products, Electronic Goods, Gems & Jewellery, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Ready-made Garments, Rice, Cotton Textiles, Handloom Products, and Plastics—sectors that continue to drive India’s value-added export strength.

On the import side, petroleum, electronic and capital goods, gold, coal, chemicals, and transport equipment dominated. “The increase in imports, particularly of capital goods and energy inputs, reflects improving domestic demand and capacity expansion,” noted the FIEO Chief.

Ralhan emphasized that sustaining this momentum will require continued support through stable policy, enhanced trade facilitation, improved logistics, and timely conclusion of FTAs, especially with the UK, US, EU, Oman, and GCC countries.

He added, “Access to affordable credit, particularly for MSMEs, along with timely disbursal of incentives like Interest Equalisation, RoDTEP, and other export benefits, will be vital to maintaining export competitiveness and achieving ambitious growth targets.”

FIEO remains confident that with proactive policy interventions and sustained global engagement, India’s export sector will continue its upward trajectory in the months ahead.