# India’s July exports jump 19.6% to $44.24 billion, trade deficit widens

2026-08-12T19:46:32+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

India's merchandise exports rose 19.63 per cent year-on-year to $44.24 billion in July 2026, the highest monthly figure on record, commerce ministry data showed. Imports grew 17.52 per cent to $76.22 billion, widening the trade deficit to $31.98 billion for the month. For the April-July period, exports rose 17.04 per cent to $173.78 billion, while imports climbed 19.27 per cent to $292.38 billion, leaving a merchandise trade deficit of $118.6 billion. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal attributed the growth to stronger shipments of petroleum products, electronics, engineering goods and marine products. Exports to West Asian countries rose 8.62 per cent to $5.7 billion in July. Including services, total exports rose 13.16 per cent to $316.42 billion during April-July. Minister Piyush Goyal said the nine free trade agreements finalised in the last four years will open up big markets for the domestic industry.

## Coverage

- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/indias-exports-increased-by-about-15-per-cent-in-april-july-goyal/article71337196.ece>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/economy/india-merchandise-exports-record-44-24-billion-july-exports-trade-deficit-imports-engineering-goods-petroleum-products-11786607191019.html>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fashion-/-cosmetics-/-jewellery/indias-gem-and-jewellery-exports-rise-0-38-to-2-35-billion-in-july/articleshow/133205343.cms>
- freepressjournal.in <https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/indias-july-exports-rise-196-to-4424-billion-trade-deficit-widens-to-3198-billion>
- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/indias-exports-rise-1963-to-4424-bn-in-july-trade-deficit-widens-to-3198-bn/article71340389.ece>
- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-inc-shows-earnings-resilience-in-june-quarter-aggregate-revenues-grow-22-icra/article71340137.ece>

Tags: exports, free trade agreements, India economy, Piyush Goyal, trade deficit
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