New Delhi: India’s overall goods and services exports are expected to reach $1 trillion in FY26 aided by more trade agreements with key trade partners coming into force amid Indian export consignments having gradually started moving through the Red Sea route again, Federation of Indian Export Organisations ( FIEO) said Tuesday.
In 2024-25, India’s exports were $825 billion. FIEO President S C Ralhan said that merchandise exports will increase to $525-535 billion this fiscal from $437 billion, led by electronics, agriculture and petroleum products while services exports are seen rising to $465-475 billion from $387 billion.
Another factor will be the foreign buyers particularly in the US looking beyond China to source their goods. India could also get some of China’s business including companies like Apple, due to its ongoing trade conflict with the US but it may be limited to around $5 billion, the body said.
The main sectors which can help push the exports include electrical and electronics $60 billion, machinery at $40 billion, chemicals at $40 billion, pharmaceuticals $ 30 billion, petroleum $70 billion and agriculture at $55 billion, among others.
Trade pacts with the US, EU, UK and EFTA will aid the efforts, said FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai, adding that the interim trade deal that exempts India from reciprocal tariffs would offer a big advantage over competitors.
Sahai also said that consignments are gradually going through this important sea route.
“It will cut transportation time,” he said, adding that freight rates have stabilised because of a drop in ship demands from China.
The gradual movement signals a cautious recovery in shipments after months of disruptions on the route caused by regional tensions. Around 80% of India’s merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea and substantial trade with the US also takes this route.
Last year, the situation around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, escalated due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants. Due to the attacks, the shippers were taking consignments through the Cape of Good Hope, encircling the African continent, resulting in delays of almost 14-20 days and higher freight and insurance costs.
The apex trade body said that despite the healthy outlook, some headwinds are expected to come from technical and non-tariff barriers. The latest one facing the industry is the implementation of Digital Product Passport (DPP) that is to be implemented by the EU from January 1, 2026 which aims to digitally record, store, and share information about a product’s entire life cycle—from raw materials to manufacturing, usage, recycling, and disposal. It will be mandatory for a wide range of products including electronics, batteries, textiles, and construction materials.
( Originally published on May 27, 2025 )
In 2024-25, India’s exports were $825 billion. FIEO President S C Ralhan said that merchandise exports will increase to $525-535 billion this fiscal from $437 billion, led by electronics, agriculture and petroleum products while services exports are seen rising to $465-475 billion from $387 billion.
Another factor will be the foreign buyers particularly in the US looking beyond China to source their goods. India could also get some of China’s business including companies like Apple, due to its ongoing trade conflict with the US but it may be limited to around $5 billion, the body said.
The main sectors which can help push the exports include electrical and electronics $60 billion, machinery at $40 billion, chemicals at $40 billion, pharmaceuticals $ 30 billion, petroleum $70 billion and agriculture at $55 billion, among others.
Trade pacts with the US, EU, UK and EFTA will aid the efforts, said FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai, adding that the interim trade deal that exempts India from reciprocal tariffs would offer a big advantage over competitors.
Sahai also said that consignments are gradually going through this important sea route.
“It will cut transportation time,” he said, adding that freight rates have stabilised because of a drop in ship demands from China.
The gradual movement signals a cautious recovery in shipments after months of disruptions on the route caused by regional tensions. Around 80% of India’s merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea and substantial trade with the US also takes this route.
Last year, the situation around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, escalated due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants. Due to the attacks, the shippers were taking consignments through the Cape of Good Hope, encircling the African continent, resulting in delays of almost 14-20 days and higher freight and insurance costs.
The apex trade body said that despite the healthy outlook, some headwinds are expected to come from technical and non-tariff barriers. The latest one facing the industry is the implementation of Digital Product Passport (DPP) that is to be implemented by the EU from January 1, 2026 which aims to digitally record, store, and share information about a product’s entire life cycle—from raw materials to manufacturing, usage, recycling, and disposal. It will be mandatory for a wide range of products including electronics, batteries, textiles, and construction materials.
( Originally published on May 27, 2025 )
You may also like
Cole Palmer steps up in Chelsea's hour of need and decides Conference League final
Single hand can't clap, says SC, gives interim bail to rape accused
Man Utd flop Antony inconsolable after Real Betis beaten by Chelsea in Conference League final
Harry Potter fans point out one huge flaw with casting for new HBO series' lead characters
Probe 171 alleged fake encounters in 2021: SC to Assam rights panel
