India’s Exports Surge Nearly 16% in May, Touch $81.96 Billion
New Delhi: India’s total exports, comprising merchandise and services, rose sharply in May 2026 to reach $81.96 billion, marking a robust 15.83 per cent growth compared to the corresponding month last year, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry.
India’s Exports Surge Nearly 16% in May, Touch $81.96 Billion.
The strong performance was driven by higher shipments of petroleum products, engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, and gems and jewellery, reflecting sustained demand for Indian products in global markets.
Merchandise exports stood at $45.20 billion in May 2026, up from $38.30 billion recorded in May 2025. Meanwhile, services exports were estimated at $36.76 billion, compared to $32.46 billion during the same period last year.
During the first two months of the current financial year, April and May, India’s merchandise exports reached $88.91 billion, registering a growth of 16.09 per cent over the $76.59 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Services exports also maintained a positive trajectory. The estimated value of services exports during April-May stood at $73.79 billion, compared to $65.30 billion in the same period last year.
On the import front, India’s total imports, including merchandise and services, were estimated at $92.47 billion in May 2026, reflecting a growth of 19.23 per cent over May 2025.
The country’s non-petroleum exports continued to show resilience. During April-May, non-petroleum exports were valued at $70.74 billion, an increase of 10.49 per cent compared to $64.03 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.
Among the key export categories, petroleum products recorded the highest growth. Exports in this segment jumped 54.89 per cent, rising from $5.44 billion in May 2025 to $8.42 billion in May 2026.
Engineering goods, one of India’s largest export sectors, also delivered a strong performance. Exports increased 24.48 per cent to $12.31 billion, compared to $9.89 billion a year earlier.
Electronic goods exports continued their upward momentum, growing 11.62 per cent from $4.57 billion in May 2025 to $5.10 billion this year. The gems and jewellery sector also posted positive growth, with exports rising 6.66 per cent to $2.53 billion.
Despite the strong export performance, India’s merchandise trade deficit widened during the April-May period. The merchandise trade deficit stood at $56.44 billion, compared to $49.65 billion during the same period in the previous financial year.
However, the country’s services sector helped offset part of the trade imbalance. The services trade surplus for April-May 2026-27 was estimated at $36.31 billion, up from $31.69 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The latest figures highlight the growing strength of India’s export ecosystem, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, petroleum products, and services. Sustained growth in these sectors is expected to support economic expansion, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and enhance India’s position in global trade amid an evolving international economic landscape. Forever News – News that Matters
