Indian markets included US, UAE, China, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia
India’s export sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite rising global uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and escalating geopolitical tensions, says S C Ralhan, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), welcoming the latest export earnings for February 2026.
Ralhan noted that the escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran has heightened global trade uncertainty. Disruptions in key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have forced vessels to reroute, increasing freight costs, insurance premiums, and transit times, thereby adding pressure on exporters.
Despite these challenges, India’s export sector continues to show resilience, supported by diversified markets and strong performance in key sectors such as engineering goods, petroleum products, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, chemicals, ready-made garments, cotton yarn and fabrics, rice and marine products. Major export destinations continued to include the US, UAE, China, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Ralhan emphasized that close monitoring of geopolitical developments, maintaining smooth logistics connectivity and providing timely policy support will be essential to sustain export momentum. He added that continued diversification of markets, strengthening regional trade partnerships and improving logistics efficiency will help India mitigate global disruptions and maintain export growth.
According to government data on 16 Mar, India’s merchandise exports stood at US$36.61 billion in February 2026, showing a marginal decline of 0.81% compared to the same month last year. Merchandise imports rose by 24.11% to US$63.71 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of US$27.1 billion, which has moderated compared to January 2026.
However, overall exports (merchandise and services combined) grew by about 11% year-on-year to US$76.13 billion, reflecting strong services exports and sustained domestic demand.
Overall imports increased by about 22% to US$80.09 billion,
During April–February FY 2025-26, India’s merchandise exports reached US$402.93 billion, registering a growth of 1.84%, while imports rose 8.53% to US$713.53 billion.
Cumulative merchandise and services exports during the period are estimated at US$790.86 billion, compared to US$747.58 billion last year, reflecting a growth of 5.8%. fiinews.com
