India's exports surged in the first two months of FY27, driven by significant growth in shipments to ASEAN and African nations, according to commerce ministry data.
New Delhi, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: India's export landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the first two months of the fiscal year 2026-27, with the ASEAN and African regions emerging as the primary drivers of growth. According to data released by the commerce ministry, exports during April and May 2026-27 rose by 16.09% year-on-year, totaling USD 88.91 billion.
The data highlights a staggering 66.9% increase in exports to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, which surged to USD 10.5 billion from USD 6.3 billion in the same period last year. Similarly, shipments to Africa rose by 53.1%, reaching USD 9.6 billion, up from USD 6.3 billion.
Together, these two regions contributed more than USD 7.6 billion in additional exports compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring their importance in India's overall export strategy.
Despite the impressive growth in ASEAN and Africa, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains India's largest export destination. Exports to this region increased by 2.6%, amounting to USD 19.3 billion compared to USD 18.8 billion last year. Additionally, exports to Europe saw a 4% rise, reaching USD 17 billion from USD 16.4 billion.
Other regions also recorded notable growth. Exports to North East Asia increased by 30.7% to USD 8.3 billion, while South Asia experienced a 40.2% rise, totaling USD 6.1 billion. Shipments to Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 12.5% to USD 3 billion, and exports to Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) rose by 29% to USD 2.1 billion.
Furthermore, exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, which include Russia, Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, increased by 7.7% to USD 1.1 billion.
The data indicates a significant shift in India's export strategy, with regions outside North America and Europe now accounting for over half of the country's total exports. This diversification is particularly crucial amid ongoing global uncertainties.
In total, India's exports of goods and services during the first two months of FY27 were estimated at USD 162.69 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 14.66%.
As India continues to expand its trade relationships, the focus on emerging markets like ASEAN and Africa may play a pivotal role in sustaining export growth in the coming years.
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