India's exports cross $400 billion in H1 FY26 despite global trade turbulence

Calling FY2025-26 a “turbulent year” for international trade, India’s Commerce Ministry said on October 15 that, while global supply chains and markets remained unsettled, India succeeded in staying on a growth trajectory.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN

The country recorded its highest-ever overall exports for a second quarter—$204.4 billion—during the July to September period.

Goods exports rose from $213 billion to $220 billion in the first six months of the fiscal year, while services exports witnessed a sharper increase, climbing from $182 billion to $193.7 billion. Although merchandise imports drove import growth, the surge in exports helped narrow the trade deficit, which was 2.28% lower than in the same period last year.