New Delhi

India’s merchandise exports grew by 1.87 per cent to USD 38.5 billion in December 2025 despite persistent global economic headwinds, while a sharper rise in imports resulted in a marginal widening of the trade deficit to about USD 25 billion, according to official data released on Thursday.

Imports during the month increased by 8.7 per cent to USD 63.55 billion. As a result, the trade deficit stood at USD 25.04 billion in December 2025, compared to USD 24.53 billion in November 2025 and USD 22 billion in December 2024.

During the April–December period of the current financial year, merchandise exports rose 2.44 per cent to USD 330.29 billion. Imports for the nine-month period grew 5.9 per cent to USD 578.61 billion, pushing the cumulative trade deficit to USD 248.32 billion.

Addressing the media, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said India’s export performance remained resilient despite global uncertainties.

“Based on current trends, we expect total exports of goods and services to cross USD 850 billion in this financial year,” he said.

Engineering goods, electronics, marine products and pharmaceuticals were among the key sectors that supported export growth during the period.

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Agrawal also noted that India’s shipments to major markets such as the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates continue to show steady growth.