India Records Its Highest-Ever Monthly Exports at $89.99 Billion in October

India has recorded its highest-ever monthly export earnings, with total exports touching $89.99 billion in October 2026. The figure, announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday, November 13, marks a sharp 29.9 per cent jump over the same month last year and signals strong momentum in the country's trade performance. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal shared the numbers during a virtual media briefing on Friday, describing October as a record month for Indian exports. The growth was driven mainly by a surge in merchandise shipments, supported by steady services exports. ## Goods Exports Lead the Record Surge Merchandise exports rose 45.06 per cent to $49.47 billion in October, up from $34.11 billion in the same month last year. This is also the highest monthly value ever recorded for India's goods exports, and the third-highest monthly growth rate in the last five years. Services exports were estimated at $40.51 billion, up from $35.17 billion a year earlier. The ministry clarified that the October services figures are estimates, as the latest actual data released by the Reserve Bank of India relates to September, and the numbers may be revised when updated figures arrive. Export growth was broad-based, with shipments expanding across 43 of India's top 50 export destinations. For the April to October 2026 period, the country's cumulative exports are estimated to have grown 16.66 per cent. ## Trade Deficit Narrows Despite Higher Imports India's total imports also rose in October, reaching $110.07 billion compared with $94.42 billion in the same month last year. Even so, the overall trade deficit narrowed to $20.09 billion, down from $25.15 billion in October 2025, because export growth outpaced the rise in imports. The picture on goods trade alone was more mixed. Merchandise imports climbed to $89.35 billion, pushing the goods trade deficit to $39.88 billion — its highest level in a year. That figure was up from $30.21 billion in September and $33 billion in October last year, reflecting pressure from higher import costs. ## Why This Milestone Matters The record comes at a significant moment for Indian trade. New Delhi is in advanced talks with Washington over a bilateral trade agreement, with the first phase — covering goods — targeted for completion by the end of the current financial year in March 2027. A strong export performance gives India a firmer footing in those negotiations and in its push to widen its presence in global markets. It also comes amid a challenging global environment, with shifting tariff regimes and trade tensions affecting exporters worldwide. The October numbers show that Indian exporters are finding buyers across a wide range of markets. Whether the momentum holds through the rest of the financial year will depend on global demand, commodity prices and the outcome of ongoing trade talks. Do you think India's export growth will continue at this pace? Which Indian products do you believe the world wants most? Share your views in the comments below.