How Did India’s Exports Overcome Tariffs to Achieve Record Trade Growth in 2025?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Record trade growth of $825.25 billion in 2024-25.
- Non-petroleum exports increased by 6.07 percent.
- Key sectors include electronics and pharmaceuticals.
- Strong regional partnerships with ASEAN nations.
- Digital tools are enhancing trade facilitation.
New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) A recent report indicates that Indian exports have overcome global tariffs in 2025, aided by policy support, trade agreements, and digital innovations.
According to the report from Times Kuwait, India has recorded unprecedented trade growth in 2025, despite tariffs imposed by the US aimed at influencing nations striving for economic independence.
Significant agreements such as the India–UK CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), India–Oman CEPA, and India–EFTA TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement) have expanded market access and lowered customs duties.
This has also fostered collaboration in various sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and electric vehicles (EVs), the report highlighted.
Moreover, the diversification of markets and enhanced institutional support have mitigated India’s reliance on any single trading partner.
The report emphasized, “India’s trade resilience diminishes the strategic necessity for a dedicated US-India trade deal, as the country has diversified its markets, upgraded its export portfolio with manufacturing and technology-driven goods, and strengthened high-value global connections.”
Total exports of goods and services reached $825.25 billion in 2024–25, reflecting a 6.05 percent increase year-on-year. Additionally, exports for the first half of FY26 (April–September 2025) soared to $418.91 billion, representing a 5.86 percent growth, marking a record high for any half-year timeframe. Non-petroleum exports surged to $374.32 billion, up 6.07 percent.
Key sectors propelling this growth include electronics, engineering products, pharmaceuticals, marine goods, and rice, with principal export destinations including the UAE, China, Spain, and Hong Kong.
Collaborations with ASEAN countries like the Philippines and Thailand have further deepened regional ties and opened up new export avenues.
Domestic initiatives such as the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) have provided both financial and non-financial assistance, including credit guarantees, trade financing, compliance support, and international branding.
Digital transformation initiatives like Trade eConnect and the Trade Intelligence & Analytics (TIA) portal have significantly improved trade facilitation and provided data-driven insights.
aar/na