How much did India export in April to August 2026-27?

An estimated US$ 399.27 billion of goods and services, 15.55 per cent more than a year earlier.

Which export grew fastest in August 2026?

Among major items, iron ore (126.3 per cent) and electronic goods (89.82 per cent) grew fastest.

Does India have a trade surplus or deficit?

A deficit in goods and a surplus in services; the overall balance for April to August was minus US$ 60.38 billion.

Why are services figures called estimates?

RBI services data was available only up to July 2026, so the August figure is an estimate.

India Exports Up 15.55% in Apr-Aug 2026; Electronics Surge

Battle Brief

India’s total exports of goods and services in April to August 2026-27 are estimated at US$ 399.27 billion, 15.55 per cent more than a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said on 15 September 2026. Merchandise exports grew 17.85 per cent. In August alone, electronic goods exports rose 89.82 per cent to US$ 5.55 billion.

Fact File

Released: 15 Sep 2026, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Total exports, Apr-Aug 2026-27: US$ 399.27 billion (+15.55%)
Merchandise exports, Apr-Aug: US$ 215.91 billion (+17.85%)
Services exports, Apr-Aug: US$ 183.36 billion (estimate)
Total exports, August 2026: US$ 82.68 billion (+25.41%)
Overall trade balance, Apr-Aug: minus US$ 60.38 billion

In the news

India’s trade data for August 2026: what happened?

Every month the Commerce Ministry puts out quick estimates of what India sold to and bought from the world. Services figures are estimates because RBI data comes with a lag; for August 2026 they are projected from RBI data up to July 2026. This set showed strong export growth, led by electronics.

Total exports (goods plus services) for August 2026: US$ 82.68 billion, up 25.41 per cent over August 2025.
Total imports for August 2026: US$ 92.09 billion, up 18.75 per cent.
April to August 2026-27 total exports: US$ 399.27 billion; total imports: US$ 459.65 billion (up 18.01 per cent).
Merchandise trade deficit for April to August: US$ 147.09 billion, against US$ 123.88 billion a year earlier.
Services trade surplus for April to August: US$ 86.71 billion, against US$ 79.94 billion.

Back Story

Which goods drove export growth in August 2026?

Item	Aug 2025 (US$ bn)	Aug 2026 (US$ bn)	Growth
Electronic goods	2.93	5.55	89.82%
Petroleum products	4.17	6.81	63.27%
Engineering goods	9.87	12.32	24.86%
Organic and inorganic chemicals	2.41	2.80	16.38%
Cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, handloom	0.99	1.12	13.79%

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 15 Sep 2026.

Back Story

How do goods and services trade differ?

Goods trade runs a deficit: India imports more goods than it exports.
Services trade runs a surplus: India sells more services than it buys.
The services surplus partly offsets the goods deficit, which is why the overall trade balance for April to August (minus US$ 60.38 billion) is much smaller than the goods deficit (US$ 147.09 billion).
Gold imports fell 57.75 per cent in August 2026, the largest fall among major import items.

Rulebook

Which constitutional entry covers foreign trade?

Seventh Schedule, List I (Union List), Entry 41: trade and commerce with foreign countries; import and export across customs frontiers; definition of customs frontiers.
So foreign trade policy, export promotion and customs are Union subjects.

By the numbers

What do the numbers show for April to August?

India’s trade, April to August (US$ billion)
Item	2025-26	2026-27
Merchandise exports	183.21	215.91
Merchandise imports	307.09	363.00
Services exports	162.34	183.36
Services imports	82.40	96.65
Total exports	345.55	399.27
Total imports	389.49	459.65
Trade balance	-43.94	-60.38

Services data for 2026-27 are estimates. Source: PIB, 15 Sep 2026.

Why examiners care

Why does India’s trade data for August 2026 matter?

Angle	What to note
Manufacturing	Electronics exports nearly doubled in a year, a sign that new factories are now selling abroad.
Services	Services exports grew an estimated 12.95 per cent in April to August, and keep the overall balance in check.
Markets	USA, Singapore, Spain, China and Tanzania were the top five destinations by change in value in August.
External sector	The goods deficit widened, so imports need watching.
Jobs	Engineering goods, textiles, marine products and handicrafts all grew; these employ many workers.

Fault Lines

What are the challenges in India’s trade data for August 2026?

Imports grew faster than exports in April to August (18.01 against 15.55 per cent), so the trade deficit widened.
Petroleum products explain part of the export jump; that depends on global oil prices.
Services figures for August are estimates and will be revised when RBI data comes.
Some items fell: imports of gold, iron and steel, and pharmaceutical products declined in August.

Road Ahead

What should be done next on India’s trade data for August 2026?

Keep the electronics momentum through component manufacturing at home.
Diversify markets; several fast-growing destinations (Singapore, Tanzania, Malaysia) are outside the traditional list.
Watch the import bill, especially fuel.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on India’s trade data for August 2026?

Trade data: released by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
April to August 2026-27 total exports: US$ 399.27 billion (+15.55%).
August 2026: electronic goods exports +89.82% to US$ 5.55 billion.
India has a goods trade deficit and a services trade surplus.
Foreign trade: Union List, Entry 41.

Answer Lab

How to write about India’s trade data for August 2026 in Mains

Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): India’s services surplus cushions its merchandise trade deficit. Using recent trade data, examine the strengths and risks of this pattern.

Intro: April to August 2026-27 exports US$ 399.27 billion, +15.55%.
Goods: deficit US$ 147.09 billion; electronics, engineering lead exports.
Services: surplus US$ 86.71 billion; offsets goods deficit.
Risks: oil prices, import growth, estimates revised later.
Way forward: manufacturing depth, market diversification.

Exports up 15.55% in Apr–Aug 2026-27; electronics exports nearly double in August