India’s export economy continues to show resilience in the face of global uncertainty. The combined exports of merchandise and services for April–May 2025 stood at ₹12.23 lakh crore (US$ 142.43 billion) — marking a 5.75% growth over the same period last year, according to fresh data released by the Ministry of Commerce.
The growth was fueled primarily by strong service sector performance and an impressive rise in exports of electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, and marine products. However, rising imports caused a slight widening in the trade deficit.
India’s Export-Import Snapshot: April–May 2025
- Total Exports (Goods + Services):
₹12,23,900 crore (US$ 142.43 billion)
Up 5.75% YoY
- Merchandise Exports:
₹6,63,293 crore (US$ 77.19 billion) Up 3.07%
- Services Exports:
₹5,60,607 crore (US$ 65.24 billion)
Up 9.11% — continues to outperform goods
- Total Imports:
₹13,71,185 crore (US$ 159.57 billion)
Up 6.52% YoY
- Trade Deficit:
₹1,47,284 crore (US$ 17.14 billion)
Widened from ₹1,29,926 crore (April–May 2024)
May 2025 Monthly Highlights
- Merchandise Exports:
₹3,32,806 crore (US$ 38.73 billion) Slight dip due to softening demand in metals and textiles
- Services Exports:
₹2,78,327 crore (US$ 32.39 billion)
Up from ₹2,54,438 crore in May 2024
Fastest-Growing Export Categories
- Electronic Goods:
54.10% YoY — driven by global demand and domestic manufacturing push (PLI schemes)
- Marine Products:
26.79% — strong performance in frozen shrimp and aquaculture
- Pharmaceuticals:
7.38% — consistent exports to the US, EU, and Latin America
- Non-Petroleum, Non-Gems & Jewellery (NPGJ) Exports:
₹5,52,100 crore (US$ 64.25 billion) 7.53%
Top Export Destinations: Strong Growth
- United States:
21.78% — led by IT services, electronics, and generics
- Australia:
50.76% — strong demand in industrial goods and tech
- China:
18.75% — notable recovery in trade flow
Import Highlights
- Declining Imports:
- Petroleum products
- Fertilizers (domestic production easing reliance)
- Key Import Growth Drivers:
- UAE: 52.08% — gold, energy, and electronics
- Ireland: 287.99% — biotech and pharmaceutical machinery
Key Trends & Takeaways for Logistics Stakeholders
- Services continue to drive India’s trade performance, especially in IT and Consulting
- PLI schemes are strengtheni1ng high-value manufacturing, visible in electronics and pharma exports.
- Rising imports and global commodity fluctuations are pushing up the trade deficit.
- New trade corridors with Australia and China highlight opportunities for east-bound logistics.
- Logistics providers must stay agile and realign networks to leverage new export hotspots and import risks.
- Supply chain players should monitor FX movements, as a weakening rupee may further impact the import-export cost equation.
Final Word
India’s strong start to FY 2025–26 sends a positive signal, but widening trade deficits and global uncertainties underline the need for strategic logistics and sourcing decisions. Stakeholders in freight forwarding, warehousing, and cross-border trade must keep a close eye on changing trade lanes and government policy shifts.
