New Delhi: India’s trade engine roared to life in April 2025, with the total export of merchandise and services reaching an estimated US$ 73.80 billion, a 12.70% increase from US$ 65.48 billion in April 2024, the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India showed.
This surge, driven by standout performances in electronic goods, engineering products, and services, signals a strengthening of India’s global trade position, even as imports grew by 15.72% to US$ 82.45 billion. The growth in exports, particularly to key markets like the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Australia, underscores India’s expanding economic footprint amid a dynamic global market, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said today.
Trade during April 2025*
Merchandise exports climbed to US$ 38.49 billion, up 9.02% from US$ 35.30 billion in April 2024, with non-petroleum exports rising 10.10% to US$ 31.11 billion. Electronic goods led the charge, soaring 39.51% to US$ 3.69 billion, fueled by global demand for Indian technology. Engineering goods followed, growing 11.28% to US$ 9.51 billion, while gems and jewellery exports rose 10.74% to US$ 2.5 billion. Ready-made garments of all textiles increased by 14.43% to US$ 1.37 billion, and rice exports grew 13.63% to US$ 1.08 billion. Marine products also shone, with a 17.81% rise to US$ 0.58 billion, and drugs and pharmaceuticals edged up 2.37% to US$ 2.49 billion. Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports reached US$ 28.61 billion, a 10% increase, reflecting broad-based growth.
Services exports, a cornerstone of India’s trade prowess, jumped 17.01% to an estimated US$ 35.31 billion from US$ 30.18 billion in April 2024. This growth, paired with a more modest 4.65% rise in services imports to US$ 17.54 billion, highlights the sector’s critical role in balancing trade dynamics. Key export destinations driving this growth included Kenya, with a 132.44% increase, Tanzania at 87.2%, and Australia at 74.16%. The United States and United Arab Emirates also saw significant gains, with export values rising 27.31% and 33.65%, respectively.
Imports, while growing, showed selective declines. Merchandise imports rose to US$ 64.91 billion from US$ 54.49 billion, with non-petroleum, non-gems, and non-jewellery imports increasing to US$ 39.27 billion. However, imports of pulses fell 23.5%, newsprint dropped 14.4%, and coal, coke, and briquettes declined 12.28%. Vegetable oil and fruits and vegetables also saw reductions of 8.09% and 8.97%, respectively. Top import sources included Ireland, with a 425.65% growth, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 88.97% and the United States at 63.76%.
India’s trade performance in April 2025 reflects a strategic push to diversify exports and strengthen global partnerships, the Ministry stated. Sectors like tobacco, which grew 66.43%, and coffee, up 47.85%, alongside steady gains in spices, leather, and cotton products, demonstrate resilience across traditional and emerging industries. As India navigates rising import costs, particularly from China and Russia, the export surge offers a promising outlook for economic growth and trade balance in the months ahead.
– global bihari bureau
