India’s October exports reach US$89.99 billion in combined trade estimates

Trade figures released on 13 November 2026 estimated India’s total exports of merchandise and services for October 2026 at US$89.99 billion. This represented growth of 29.90% over October 2025. Combined imports were estimated at US$110.07 billion, an increase of 16.58%. The combined export total should be distinguished from merchandise exports alone, which amounted to US$49.47 billion.

Merchandise imports stood at US$89.35 billion, exceeding the goods exported during the month. Services exports were estimated at US$40.51 billion and services imports at US$20.72 billion. These services figures are estimates: the latest available services data at the time covered September 2026. The release also estimated combined exports during April to October 2026 at US$568.84 billion, up 16.66% over the corresponding period a year earlier. Petroleum products, electronic goods, gems and jewellery, chemicals and engineering goods were identified among the drivers of merchandise export growth. The headline thus contains different measures with different coverage, and the services component retains an estimation qualification.

Facts to remember

• Release date: 13 November 2026; reference month: October 2026.
• Combined exports: US$89.99 billion; combined imports: US$110.07 billion.
• Merchandise exports: US$49.47 billion; merchandise imports: US$89.35 billion.
• Estimated services exports: US$40.51 billion; estimated services imports: US$20.72 billion.

Background

Merchandise trade concerns goods, whereas services trade is recorded separately before being combined in the headline total. A trade deficit arises when imports exceed exports for the relevant coverage and period. Monthly data and cumulative financial-year data answer different questions, so they should not be used interchangeably when comparing trade performance.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Economy and general knowledge, identify the reference period, units and estimated component before comparing figures. The key examination distinction is between merchandise trade and combined merchandise-and-services trade.