India’s combined exports of goods and services rose 13 per cent year-on-year in January, reflecting resilient external demand and improved performance across key sectors.
According to official data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the growth was driven by stronger merchandise shipments alongside sustained expansion in services exports, including IT, business services and travel.
Merchandise exports registered healthy gains across engineering goods, petroleum products, chemicals and select agricultural commodities, supported by stable global demand and competitive pricing. Services exports, particularly in information technology and professional services, continued to post robust growth, contributing significantly to the overall trade performance.
Trade analysts said the double-digit rise underscores India’s improving export diversification and the benefits of ongoing trade facilitation measures. They added that favourable base effects and steady demand from major markets in North America, Europe and parts of Asia also aided growth during the month.
Despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks affecting supply chains, India’s export momentum has remained relatively steady in recent months. Economists believe sustained policy support, logistics improvements and progress in free trade agreements could further strengthen outbound shipments in the coming quarters.
The government has reiterated its commitment to boosting exports through production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, market diversification strategies and enhanced digital trade facilitation, aiming to maintain growth momentum through the current fiscal year.