India’s exports jump 23% in September; trade deficit narrows to $30.21 billion
India's merchandise exports grew by 23% in September, driven by petroleum products and chemicals, while the trade deficit narrowed to $30.21 billion. Despite the export growth, the trade deficit widened compared to the previous month due to fluctuating import costs.
Why it matters
Trade data provides critical insight into India's economic health and its vulnerability to global commodity price volatility, particularly in the energy sector.
India’s exports jump 23% in September; trade deficit narrows to $30.21 billion left Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. refinery in Mumbai. File. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/sesi1/article71588868.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2025-07-11T075220Z_952810480_RC26KFABPFM0_RTRMADP_3_INDIA-PETROCHEMICALS.JPG PUNIT PARANJPE FILE PHOTO: A worker rides a bicycle at the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. refinery in Mumbai April 24, 2008. REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe (INDIA)/File Photo High crude oil prices amid the West Asia crisis have helped India earn better realisations from petroleum product exports New Delhi Healthy growth in shipments of petroleum products, electronic goods and chemicals helped India’s merchandise exports rise 23.04% in September, while the trade deficit narrowed to $30.21 billion year-on-year due to a dip in imports of precious metals. However, when compared to August, the deficit during September widened from $26.86 billion. In September last year, it was $33 billion.
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