India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $26.86 billion in August 2026 as merchandise exports surged 26.1% year-on-year, outpacing the growth in imports, according to Commerce Ministry data. (NDTV Profit)
India’s merchandise exports rose sharply to $43.8 billion in August from $34.7 billion in the corresponding month last year. Merchandise imports increased 14.1% to $70.6 billion from $61.96 billion, resulting in a marginal narrowing of the merchandise trade deficit from $27.2 billion a year earlier to $26.86 billion. (NDTV Profit)
The country’s overall trade deficit, including services, also narrowed to $9.41 billion during the month from $11.62 billion a year earlier. Overall exports increased 25.4% to $82.7 billion from around $66 billion, while export growth in rupee terms stood at 37.6%. (NDTV Profit)
Engineering goods, petroleum products, chemicals and textiles were among the sectors leading the export performance. Electronic goods and other manufacturing-linked segments also contributed to the expansion. The Commerce Secretary said export demand was coming not only from the US and UK but also from BRICS countries and other emerging economies. (NDTV Profit)
India’s exports crossed the $400-billion mark during the first five months of FY27, registering growth of 15.5% compared with the corresponding period last year. The US, UAE and China were the country’s leading export destinations in August, while Singapore, Germany, South Africa, Malaysia, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain and Sri Lanka were also among major markets. (NDTV Profit)
Exports to the US during April-August FY27 increased 6.2% to $42.8 billion. Shipments to Japan rose 43% to $3.4 billion, while exports to South Korea increased 22% to $3.2 billion. India’s exports to BRICS economies grew 13% to $34.5 billion during the same five-month period. (NDTV Profit)
On the import side, China, Russia and the US were India’s largest sources in August. Petroleum products, electronic goods, machinery and gold remained among the major import commodities, with gold imports standing at $2.3 billion during the month. (NDTV Profit)
The August data reflects stronger export growth alongside continued demand for imported energy, machinery, electronics and other manufacturing inputs.
