Exports at All Time High: India Touches USD 863 Billion Amid Global Uncertainty
In a strong demonstration of economic resilience, India registered its highest-ever export performance in the financial year 2025-26, with total exports touching a record USD 863 billion , overcoming significant global trade disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict and the impact of US tariff measures .
Highlighting the achievement, Ajay Bhadoo , Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, said India’s export ecosystem has remained remarkably robust despite a challenging international environment.
Speaking at an outreach programme marking 12 years of achievements of Gujarat’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and outlining the future vision for the sector, Bhadoo noted that India’s export growth story has been driven by a combination of policy support, industrial expansion, and increasing global competitiveness.
“This has been a difficult year from the perspective of global trade. However, India has demonstrated exceptional resilience, and our exports have reached an all-time high of USD 863 billion,” he said.
The achievement reflects a remarkable transformation over the past decade. According to Bhadoo, India’s overall exports have nearly doubled from around USD 441 billion to USD 863 billion , supported by strong performances from sectors such as engineering goods, petroleum products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and chemicals .
Among the states, Gujarat has emerged as one of the country’s strongest export hubs, contributing nearly USD 110 billion to the national export basket. The state’s strategic location, industrial infrastructure, and growing manufacturing ecosystem have played a key role in boosting outbound trade.
Bhadoo also underlined the government’s commitment to expanding the SEZ network across the country. As part of these efforts, a new semiconductor-focused SEZ has recently been approved for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited in Dholera , reinforcing India’s ambitions of becoming a global semiconductor manufacturing destination.
Addressing the gathering, Dnyaneshwar B. Patil , Zonal Development Commissioner of Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) , described SEZs as powerful engines of investment, innovation, employment generation, and export growth.
He said exports from Gujarat’s SEZs have increased significantly over the last decade, while investments and employment have also witnessed substantial growth. Gujarat currently contributes nearly 21 per cent of India’s total SEZ exports , underlining its importance in the national industrial landscape.
Patil further revealed that four semiconductor SEZ projects, including those promoted by CG Semi Technologies, Kaynes Semicon, Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing , and Micron Technology , have been notified in Gujarat.
Looking ahead, Gujarat’s SEZ ecosystem has set ambitious targets, aiming for 20 per cent annual growth in exports and 10 per cent yearly growth in employment generation . With rising investments in advanced manufacturing, electronics, and semiconductor production, policymakers believe the state will remain at the forefront of India’s export-led growth journey.
The record export performance comes at a time when many economies are grappling with slowing trade and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting India’s growing stature as a reliable global manufacturing and export powerhouse.