📊 India’s External Trade Performance (April–December 2025)
As per data released by the Press Information Bureau on 15 January 2026, India’s external trade shows moderate growth during April–December 2025, though December 2025 recorded a slight monthly contraction in total exports.
🔹 1. Overall Trade Performance (April–December 2025)
Total Exports (Merchandise + Services)
US$ 634.26 Billion
Compared to US$ 607.93 Billion (2024)
Growth: 4.33%
Total Imports
US$ 730.84 Billion
Compared to US$ 696.37 Billion (2024)
Growth: 4.95%
❗ Trade Deficit
US$ -96.58 Billion
Previous year: US$ -88.43 Billion
Deficit widened.
🔹 2. December 2025 Snapshot
| Category | Dec 2025 (US$ Bn) | Dec 2024 (US$ Bn) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exports | 74.01 | 74.77 | -1.01% |
| Total Imports | 80.94 | 76.23 | +6.17% |
| Trade Deficit | -6.92 | -1.46 | Increased |
👉 December shows rising imports and slightly falling exports → higher trade deficit.
MERCHANDISE TRADE
🔹 April–December 2025
Exports: US$ 330.29 Bn (↑2.44%)
Imports: US$ 578.61 Bn
Merchandise Trade Deficit: US$ 248.32 Bn
🔹 Major Growth Drivers (December 2025)
| Sector | Growth % |
|---|---|
| Meat, Dairy & Poultry | 30.16% |
| Electronic Goods | 16.78% |
| Marine Products | 11.73% |
| Drugs & Pharmaceuticals | 5.65% |
| Engineering Goods | 1.28% |
📌 Key Highlight:
Electronic goods exports rose from US$ 3.57 Bn to US$ 4.17 Bn
🔹 High Growth Commodities (December 2025)
Other Cereals – 85.83%
Coffee – 53.12%Iron Ore – 50.02%
Tobacco – 17.15%
Tea – 5.39%
Spices – 1.54%
🔹 Imports Showing Negative Growth (December 2025)
Gold – (-12.08%)
Leather & Leather Products – (-8.93%)Transport Equipment – (-7.11%)
Iron & Steel – (-4.48%)
Non-Petroleum Trade
🔹 April–December 2025
Non-petroleum exports: US$ 288.16 Bn (↑5.51%)
Non-petroleum imports: US$ 443.18 BnNon-petroleum & non-gems exports: US$ 266.94 Bn
👉 Indicates diversification beyond petroleum & gems.
💼 SERVICES TRADE
🔹 December 2025
Exports: US$ 35.50 Bn
Imports: US$ 17.38 Bn
🔹 April–December 2025
Exports: US$ 303.97 Bn (↑6.46%)
Imports: US$ 152.23 Bn
Services Trade Surplus: US$ 151.74 Bn
👉 Services sector remains strong pillar of India's external trade.
Top Export Destinations (Growth – December 2025)
China – 67.35%
United Arab Emirates – 14.94%Malaysia – 65.42%
Hong Kong – 61.28%
Spain – 48.48%
🔹 April–December 2025 (Cumulative Growth)
United States – 9.75%
China – 36.68%UAE – 7.49%
Spain – 53.33%
Hong Kong – 25.75%
Top Import Sources (Growth – December 2025)
China – 20.01%
Saudi Arabia – 28.85%Brazil – 95.62%
Peru – 59.08%
Chile – 116.35%
Exam Important Points
Cumulative export growth (Apr–Dec 2025): 4.33%
Services exports growth: 6.46%
Merchandise exports growth: 2.44%
Non-petroleum exports growth: 5.51%
Trade deficit widened to US$ 96.58 Bn
December exports fell by 1.01%
Electronic goods major growth driver (16.78%)
MCQs for Practice
Q1. India’s total exports during April–December 2025 were:
A) US$ 607.93 Bn
B) US$ 730.84 Bn
C) US$ 634.26 Bn
D) US$ 578.61 Bn
Answer: C
Q2. Growth rate of merchandise exports during April–December 2025 was:
A) 6.46%
B) 4.33%
C) 2.44%
D) 5.51%
Answer: C
Q3. Which sector showed highest growth among major drivers in December 2025?
A) Engineering Goods
B) Meat, Dairy & Poultry
C) Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
D) Marine Products
Answer: B
Q4. Services trade surplus during April–December 2025 was:
A) US$ 96.58 Bn
B) US$ 151.74 Bn
C) US$ 135.52 Bn
D) US$ 88.43 Bn
Answer: B
Q5. December 2025 total exports registered:
A) 6.17% growth
B) 4.33% growth
C) 1.01% decline
D) 2.44% growth
Answer: C
Q6. Non-petroleum exports growth during April–December 2025 was:
A) 2.44%
B) 4.33%
C) 5.51%
D) 6.46%
Answer: CC
Conclusion
India’s export sector shows steady growth driven by electronics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and services. However, rising imports widened the trade deficit. Services trade continues to offset merchandise deficit significantly.
This topic is very important for:
✔ Current Affairs
✔ Indian Economy
✔ Prelims & Mains
✔ Banking Awareness
✔ JKSSB / SSC Exams