India’s Exports Grow 5.75% to ₹12.24 Lakh Cr in April-May 2025: PIB Report

K N Mishra

    17/Jun/2025

What’s covered under the Article: Provide the 3 Points in bullet points and which can be copied format

  1. India’s cumulative exports in April–May 2025 rose 5.75% to ₹12.24 lakh crore, driven by services and non-petroleum goods.

  2. Electronic goods, marine products, and pharmaceuticals were key contributors, while petroleum imports sharply declined.

  3. India’s trade deficit widened to ₹1.47 lakh crore as imports grew 6.52%, led by UAE and Ireland among top import sources.

In a fresh update released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on June 17, 2025, India’s total exports (merchandise and services combined) for the first two months of FY2025-26 — April and May 2025 — stood at an estimated ₹12,23,900 crore or US$ 142.43 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.75% from ₹11,57,391 crore (US$ 134.69 billion) during the corresponding period in 2024.

This export surge was mainly driven by robust growth in the services sector, which expanded by 9.11% to reach ₹5,60,607 crore (US$ 65.24 billion). Merchandise exports, on the other hand, registered a moderate growth of 3.07%, totalling ₹6,63,293 crore (US$ 77.19 billion) during April-May 2025.

Despite this encouraging performance on the export front, India’s imports during the same period stood at ₹13,71,185 crore (US$ 159.57 billion), an increase of 6.52% over the ₹12,87,317 crore (US$ 149.81 billion) recorded in April-May 2024. This led to a widening of the trade deficit to ₹1,47,284 crore (US$ 17.14 billion) from ₹1,29,926 crore (US$ 15.12 billion) a year earlier.

Monthly Performance – May 2025

For May 2025 alone, services exports jumped to ₹2,78,327 crore (US$ 32.39 billion) compared to ₹2,54,438 crore (US$ 29.61 billion) in May 2024. This represents continued momentum in the Indian IT, consulting, and financial services sectors, reaffirming India’s dominance in the global services export market.

Conversely, merchandise exports for May 2025 saw a slight decline, falling to ₹3,32,806 crore (US$ 38.73 billion). This marginal dip may be attributed to global economic fluctuations, tighter monetary policies, and seasonal shifts in shipment cycles.

Key Export Growth Drivers

Among the major export commodities, electronic goods led the way with a remarkable 54.10% growth year-on-year. The demand for mobile devices, chips, and hardware continues to rise, particularly from developed markets like the United States and Europe.

Other significant performers include:

  • Marine Products, which grew 26.79%, benefiting from rising global food demand and expanded Indian seafood access to Western markets.

  • Pharmaceuticals, which rose 7.38%, supported by stable demand for generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Additionally, non-petroleum exports clocked in at ₹5,52,100 crore (US$ 64.25 billion) in April-May 2025, registering a 7.53% rise over the same period last year. This underlines India’s growing export diversification beyond traditional commodities.

Top Export Destinations and Their Growth

India’s outbound shipments were boosted by strong demand from key trade partners. Some of the most notable export growth destinations include:

  • United States: Up 21.78%, maintaining its position as India’s largest export market.

  • Australia: Up 50.76%, thanks to growing strategic trade ties and increasing demand for Indian pharmaceuticals, food products, and machinery.

  • China: Up 18.75%, a positive sign after years of fluctuations, primarily driven by electronics and organic chemicals.

These export growth trends reflect India’s improved competitiveness, policy support from PLI schemes, and resilience in global trade amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

Import Trends – April-May 2025

On the import side, India brought in ₹13,71,185 crore (US$ 159.57 billion) worth of goods and services, up 6.52% from last year. While overall imports grew, petroleum and fertiliser imports showed notable declines, indicating lower global crude prices and increased domestic production or substitution.

Interestingly, major contributions to the import bill came from:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Imports grew 52.08%, attributed to high-value machinery, gold, and energy resources.

  • Ireland: A massive 287.99% spike, likely driven by pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced medical equipment imports used in India’s growing healthcare sector.

Implications and Trade Balance Outlook

The trade deficit expansion to ₹1.47 lakh crore signals that while export growth is steady, import dependency continues to rise, especially in areas like high-tech machinery, defence equipment, and luxury goods.

However, this growing deficit may not necessarily indicate economic weakness. Instead, it could reflect rising domestic investment, infrastructure development, and demand for critical raw materials, which can contribute positively to future GDP growth.

At the same time, the rise in services exports, particularly IT and digital consulting, continues to offset the merchandise trade deficit, making India’s current account relatively more stable compared to earlier years.

Conclusion

India’s foreign trade performance in April-May 2025 paints a balanced picture of resilience and transformation. While exports rose by 5.75%, supported by booming services and electronic goods, imports also expanded, driven by industrial demand and strategic procurement.

The merchandise and services exports combined touched ₹12.24 lakh crore (US$ 142.43 billion), highlighting the positive trajectory of Indian trade policy, diversified export base, and global market penetration. With rising exports to the US, China, and Australia, and increasing domestic production of key items, India continues to strengthen its presence in global trade.

As global supply chains normalize and new free trade agreements mature, India’s medium-to-long-term trade outlook remains optimistic, despite a temporary widening of the trade deficit. The government’s continued focus on Make in India, export promotion councils, and SEZ reforms will likely sustain this momentum in the coming quarters.


The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Safe Enterprises Retail FixturesGlobe Civil ProjectsSambhav Steel Tubes, Ellenbarrie Indutrial GasesKalpataruHDB FinancialsAJC JewelArisInfra Solutions, Influx HealthtechMayasheel VenturesEppeltone Engineers.


The Current active IPO are Oswal PumpsPatil AutomationSamay Projects ServicesAten PapersMonolithisch India.


Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.


Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.

Related News
onlyfans leakedonlyfan leaksonlyfans leaked videos