Now Reading: Engineering exports up 18% in July, West Asia risks mount
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Engineering exports up 18% in July, West Asia risks mount
India’s engineering goods exports grew 18% year-on-year to $12.24 billion in July 2026, sustaining a strong run in the first four months of the financial year despite geopolitical tensions and trade route…
India’s engineering goods exports grew 18% year-on-year to $12.24 billion in July 2026, sustaining a strong run in the first four months of the financial year despite geopolitical tensions and trade route disruptions in West Asia, according to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India.
The US remained the largest market, with exports rising 20% to $2.18 billion, while exports to China jumped 32% to $349 million. However, shipments to the UAE fell 12.1% to $503 million, and those to Saudi Arabia dropped 5.9% to $359.3 million. The EEPC said the logistics crisis around the Strait of Hormuz had affected project-linked imports to Saudi Arabia and weakened purchasing activity.
EEPC India chairman Pankaj Chadha cautioned that higher energy and shipping costs, geopolitical tensions and stricter regulations could raise export costs. He called for greater competitiveness, technology upgrades and market diversification, noting that government support remains critical for sustainable growth.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The diverging performance between Western and Gulf markets reflects a structural shift. Exports to the US and Europe benefit from China-plus-one sourcing, but the UAE and Saudi Arabia are core markets for Indian steel, machinery and auto components. The Strait of Hormuz disruption is a reminder that India's export competitiveness depends on route stability beyond just tariffs. Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, the government sets annual export targets and can offer incentives through the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Industry will watch whether the government extends RoDTEP rates or negotiates new market access with Gulf nations to offset the logistics hit.
The EEPC data for April-July 2026 shows total engineering exports at over $40 billion. If Gulf headwinds persist, the $50-billion full-year mark that the industry informally targets could come under pressure.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
