India’s overall exports rise to $82.68 billion in August from $65.93 billion a year ago, while merchandise exports climb 26.12 per cent
India’s trade deficit narrowed to $9.41 billion in August 2026, from $11.62 billion in the same month last year, as exports grew at a faster pace than imports, according to official trade data.
India’s overall exports, including merchandise and services, rose 25.41 per cent year-on-year to an estimated $82.68 billion in August, compared with $65.93 billion in August 2025. Imports also increased to $92.09 billion from $77.55 billion a year earlier.
The sharper rise in exports helped contain the gap between the country’s exports and imports despite a higher overall import bill.
Merchandise exports surge
Merchandise exports recorded strong growth in August, rising 26.12 per cent in dollar terms to $43.81 billion, compared with $34.74 billion in August last year.
In rupee terms, merchandise exports jumped 37.59 per cent to Rs 4.18 lakh crore, from Rs 3.04 lakh crore a year earlier. Merchandise imports, meanwhile, increased at a slower pace, rising to $70.67 billion in August 2026 from $61.96 billion in the corresponding month last year.
Services exports remain strong
India’s services trade also continued to provide support to overall exports. Services exports were estimated at $38.87 billion in August, marking a year-on-year increase of 24.61 per cent from $31.19 billion in August 2025.
More from BusinessIn rupee terms, services exports rose to Rs 3.71 lakh crore, compared with Rs 2.73 lakh crore a year earlier. Services imports also increased, reaching $21.42 billion in August from $15.59 billion in the same month last year.
Taken together, India’s overall exports in rupee terms are estimated to have grown 36.81 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7.89 lakh crore in August 2026, compared with Rs 5.77 lakh crore in August 2025.
