India’s trade data for September shows a clear trend, exports to the United States fell by 11.93% year-on-year, dropping to $5.46 billion. The decline reflects lower demand for Indian goods in the American market amid ongoing trade tensions and tariff issues.
Global Markets Offset the Dip
But despite the drop from the US, India’s overall export performance remained strong. Total exports rose 6.7% in September, touching $36.38 billion. That means while one market slowed down, others picked up the slack.
New Buyers, New Balance
Several sectors found new demand abroad. Cotton garments, seafood, and food and beverages led the rebound. India’s strategy of diversifying its export base seems to be working selling more to existing trade partners and tapping into new markets at the same time.
China and Iran Drive Growth
Some of the biggest gains came from Asia.
- Marine product exports to China surged 59.9%.
- Basmati rice exports to Iran jumped a massive 656% year-on-year.
These sharp rises helped balance out the loss from the US market.
Trade Tensions Continue
The US continues to impose high tariffs on certain Indian goods in some cases, up to 50% creating pressure for exporters. But India’s broader trade network is proving resilient.
The Bigger Picture
While the India–US trade story remains strained, the overall picture is far from bleak. India’s exporters are adapting quickly, finding new markets, and reducing their dependence on any single economy.
