New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): India’s merchandise exports in September rose 6.75 per cent to USD 36.38 billion, compared to USD 34.08 billion on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday. Merchandise imports, however, increased by 16.7 per cent to USD 68.53 billion from USD 58.74 billion YoY, resulting in a trade deficit widening by 30.37 per cent to USD 32.15 billion.
On a monthly basis, factoring in estimated services data, India’s combined trade deficit (merchandise and services) widened to USD 16.61 billion in September 2025, compared to USD 8.60 billion in the same month last year. The Commerce Ministry clarified that September services sector data has not yet been released by the RBI, and the ministry’s figures are estimates based on August services trade data.
India’s total exports, including merchandise and services, stood at USD 67.20 billion, slightly up from USD 66.68 billion in September 2024. Imports saw a sharper rise, increasing to USD 83.82 billion from USD 75.28 billion in the same period last year. The widening gap between exports and imports was driven by higher imports of gold, silver, fertiliser, and electronics.
Speaking on the data, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, “In the first six months of this financial year, India achieved a total export of USD 413.30 billion as against the first six months of last year, registering a growth of 4.5 per cent.” He added that the industry has remained resilient, maintaining supply chains and performing well despite global economic uncertainties.
The expanding trade deficit underscores the continued domestic demand for imported goods and services, even as India’s outbound shipments show steady resilience. (ANI)
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