India achieves highest-ever export levels in first half of FY 2025–26

Structural reforms and PLI schemes continue to strengthen export ecosystem

December 9, 2025

Despite global uncertainty, India records highest Q1 and Q2 exports

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India’s export sector has posted its strongest-ever half-year performance in FY 2025–26, demonstrating resilience and global competitiveness despite persistent global economic uncertainties, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

According to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, total exports between April and September 2025 reached $418.6 billion, up from $395.7 billion during the same period last year. The 5.8% rise marks India’s highest export level for the first two quarters of any financial year.

The Ministry said that export momentum remained steady, even though October 2025 saw a marginal decline due to an exceptionally high base in October 2024, which recorded India’s best-ever export performance for the month.

Prasada noted that India’s export strategy is underpinned by credibility, resilience, and strong global engagement. He said high-level diplomatic interactions and trade negotiations have strengthened economic partnerships and contributed to long-term outcomes, even amid short-term fluctuations.

He added that port capacity expansion, logistics improvements, structural reforms, and targeted export facilitation measures have significantly enhanced India’s export ecosystem. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have also improved manufacturing competitiveness, while services exports continue to be a major contributor to the external sector.

Addressing India’s trade agreements, the government informed Parliament that five major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have been concluded in the past five years. These include FTAs with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the India–UK trade pact, which is set to come into force following ratification.

The Ministry stated that trade agreements require sustained negotiations, reciprocal visits, and confidence-building measures to deepen economic cooperation and secure long-term benefits for India’s trade sector.

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