India's merchandise exports touched a record $52.1 billion in April 2026, surpassing the previous high of $48.6 billion set in March 2025, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry. The 12.4% year-on-year growth was led by electronics exports which surged 38% to $8.2 billion, reflecting the success of India's PLI scheme for mobile phones and components.
Pharmaceutical exports rose 14% to $2.8 billion, while engineering goods grew 11% to $12.4 billion. Gems and jewellery exports recovered sharply by 22% as global demand for Indian gold jewellery picked up ahead of the summer wedding season in the US and Middle East. Textile and apparel exports also posted a 9% gain.
The Commerce Minister said India is well on track to achieve its ambitious annual merchandise export target of $560 billion for FY27. Imports for the month stood at $62.4 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $10.3 billion, narrower than the $14.2 billion recorded in the same period last year, partly due to lower crude oil import bills.
