India's Export Stability Amid Trade Challenges: Insights from Assocham
Synopsis
Discover how India's exports to the US have grown despite global trade challenges. Assocham reports steady export performance, indicating resilience in a fluctuating geopolitical landscape.
Key Takeaways
India's exports to the US rose by 3.8% in 2025-26.
Export share to the US remained at 19.7% .
Total merchandise exports projected at $440-$450 billion .
Resilience amidst increasing tariffs and geopolitical tensions.
Support from government reforms enhances export capabilities.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The industry association Assocham reported on Thursday that India's exports to the United States increased by 3.8 percent year-on-year in the fiscal year 2025-26 (April-February), maintaining a stable export share of 19.7 percent to the US. The prior year's export share to the US was 19.3 percent, reflecting India's robust trade performance despite facing significant tariff obstacles and rising geopolitical tensions.
“We anticipate that India's overall merchandise exports will range between $440 billion and $450 billion for 2025-26, a rise from $437 billion in 2024-25,” the statement indicated.
The export composition to India's top ten trading partners showed minimal changes compared to 2024-25. The UAE, China, the Netherlands, and the UK retained their positions in the top five trading partners, while Hong Kong entered the top ten in April-February 2026, displacing Australia.
Exports to the US for the April-February 2026 period amounted to $79.3 billion, an increase from $76.3 billion during the same timeframe the previous year.
“The last fiscal year, 2025-26, posed significant challenges for India's trade trajectory, yet we have showcased our resilience remarkably,” stated Nirmal Kumar Minda, President of Assocham.
On the import side, China remained India's leading source country, with its share rising from 16 percent to 17 percent.
Furthermore, the top ten source countries remained consistent, except for Hong Kong and Japan replacing Indonesia and Korea.
This supply chain trend illustrates India's considerable resilience, bolstered by the government's trade facilitation initiatives and the efforts of traders to transform challenges into opportunities, as noted by the industry body.
It forecasts that India's export resilience will strengthen further due to recent policy initiatives and reforms, such as the extension of the RoDTEP scheme until September 30, 2026, and the approval of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Scheme for plug-and-play industrial parks.
Additionally, the extension of the Export Obligation (EO) period for specific Advance Authorisations and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Authorisations until August 31, 2026 is expected to drive growth.
Point of View
The report by Assocham highlights India's sustained export growth despite external challenges. The resilience shown in the face of geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures reflects a promising outlook for India's trade future.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much have India's exports to the US grown?
India's exports to the United States have increased by 3.8 percent year-on-year for the fiscal year 2025-26.
What is the predicted total merchandise export for India in 2025-26?
India's total merchandise exports are projected to be between $440 billion and $450 billion for 2025-26.
Which countries are India's top trading partners?
The UAE, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and Hong Kong are among India's top trading partners.
What measures are helping boost India's export resilience?
Recent policy actions and reforms, including the extension of the RoDTEP scheme and the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna, are supporting India's export resilience.
What challenges is India facing regarding exports?
India is navigating significant tariff challenges and escalating geopolitical conflicts, yet it continues to maintain steady export growth.
