Lok Sabha Question No. 2580 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-16
Subject: Export Performance
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Dr. D. Purandeswari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2580 ANSWERED ON 16/12/2025

## EXPORT PERFORMANCE

## 2580. DR. D. PURANDESWARI :

Will  the  Minister  of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be  pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  identified  the  key  factors  driving  the  highest-ever quarterly export performance recorded in the first and second quarters of FY26,   if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether specific sectors have played a major role in sustaining export growth during this period, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  anticipates  continued  strong  export  performance  for  the remaining quarters of FY26, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether measures are being undertaken to maintain India's export momentum amid prevailing global economic uncertainties, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether steps are being planned to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly in high-growth global markets, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) and (b) India achieved a significant milestone in the first half (H1) of FY 2025-26. Total exports comprising both merchandise and services reached US$ 418.6 billion during AprilSeptember 2025 marking a 5.8% growth over the same period last year and setting a new all-time high for H1 exports. Notably, both Q1 (April-June 2025) and Q2 (July-September 2025) recorded their highest-ever export levels for their respective quarters, despite persisting global uncertainties.

India's overall cumulative export performance remains robust. Total exports for April-October 2025  rose  by  4.1%  year-on-year  to US$488.1 billion.  Merchandise  exports  increased by 0.5%, reaching US$253.9 billion, while services exports grew by 8.2% to US$234.2 billion during the same period.

Moreover, several major sectors are delivering strong expansions despite global uncertainties. Electronic  goods remained  the  standout  performer,  rising  sharply  by 37.8%.

Agriculture-related labour-intensive categories also posted healthy gains -  Cashew (28.3%), other cereals (25.5%), meat, dairy & poultry products (24.0%), tea (15.2%), coffee (12.3%), fruits& vegetables (6.2%), rice (5.5%),  and Cereal preparations (3.9%). Marine products export grew by 16.2%, mineral exports including mica  and  other  ores,  grew  by 11.9%,  while  drugs  and pharmaceuticals expanded  by 4.7%. Engineering  goods,  India's  largest  export  segment,  registered  steady  growth  of 1.7%. At  the  same  time,  a  few  key  categories  such  as  petroleum,  textiles,  plastics  etc. experienced declines reflecting external market conditions.

(c) and  (d)  Despite  persisting  global  uncertainties  India's  export  performance  remains robust. The  Government  works  through  a  comprehensive  multi-pronged  strategy  through Trade  relief  measures  of  RBI,  Credit  Guarantee  Scheme  for  Exporters,  enhancement  of domestic demand through next generation GST reforms, Export Promotion measures such as the new Export Promotion Mission which provide support and assistance to our exporters, pursuing FTAs with new countries and better utilization of existing FTA. It is expected that these measures will also enhance diversification and resilience in India's trade relationships.

(e) Several steps have been taken by the Government to boost exports and strengthening domestic  manufacturing  keeping  in  view  India's  increased  integration  in  the  global  value chain. Some of the measures induces providing export incentives, easing trade processes through digital platforms, and negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries and  blocs  to  enhance  market  access  for  Indian  products.  Regular  monitoring  of  export performance  with  Commercial  Missions  abroad,  Export  Promotion  Councils,  Commodity Boards/ Authorities and Industry Associations is being done and corrective measures are being taken from time to time. Further, New Foreign Trade Policy 2023 lays down a blue print to integrate India with the global market and make it a reliable and trusted trade partner. It is expected further to improve India's trade performance and competitiveness.

The  Department of Commerce  has  been  regularly monitoring and sensitizing line Ministries/Departments and other stakeholders from time to time and at various levels on the issue of imports with an objective to reduce dependence on import on the following broad strategy:  (i)  Addressing  domestic  supply  rigidities  and  looking  at  domestic  production opportunities /enhancement of capacity; (ii) Timely use of trade remedy options; (iii) Quality Controls; (iv) Enforcing rules of origin; (v) Tariff measures /inverted duty correction; and vi) Import items monitoring.

The Government has approved the Scheme for Export Promotion Mission (EPM) for the period FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, aimed at strengthening India's export competitivenessparticularly for MSMEs. The EPM shall operate through two integrated sub-schemes:

-  NIRYAT  PROTSAHAN,  focused  on  improving  access  to  trade  finance  through instruments  such  as  interest  subvention,  export  factoring,  collateral  guarantees  for export credit, credit for e-commerce exporters, and credit enhancement support; and
-  NIRYAT DISHA, focused on other trade enablers such as export quality and compliance support, international branding and packaging, market access initiatives, export logistics & warehousing, and trade intelligence.

EPM  is  anchored  in  a  collaborative  framework  involving  the  Department  of  Commerce, Ministry  of  MSME,  Ministry  of  Finance,  and  other  key  stakeholders  including  Financial

Institutions, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, industry associations, and state governments.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters has also been approved to provide 100% credit guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for extending additional collateral free credit facilities up to  Rs.20,000  crore  to  eligible  exporters,  including  MSMEs.  The  Scheme  is  expected  to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian exporters and support diversification into new and emerging markets. Enabling collateral-free credit access will strengthen liquidity, ensure smooth business operations, and reinforce India's progress towards achieving the USD 1 trillion export target.

Trade Relief Measures:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also initiated trade relief measures for eligible affected exporters including provision for debt repayment moratorium and extension of tenor for export credit.

Leveraging  Free  Trade  Agreements:The  Government  aims  for  promotion  of  Export Diversification and has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners. Government is working with all stakeholders to enable our exporters to better utilize the benefits of India's FTAs with major markets such as Japan, Korea, UAE etc. and effectively utilize the opportunities that have been created with the recent concluded FTAs such as with the EFTA countries and the UK. The Government is also engaged in negotiations for early conclusion of mutually beneficial FTAs with the EU, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Oman etc.

Diversification  Measures:Through  consistent  efforts,  the  number  of  listed  fishery establishments for export to the EU and Russia have increased recently. As per data from the Department of Fisheries, through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects with a total outlay of Rs. 21274.13 crore have been approved for the development of fisheries and aquaculture in the country. This has contributed to India's exports in this sector more than doubling from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25, with the share of value added products rising from 2% to 11%.

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