India's August Exports Fall 9.3% To $34.7 Billion; Here's Why

In contrast, during the first quarter of the financial year, India's outbound shipments showed a robust growth of 5.8 per cent compared to the same period last year, totalling $109.9 billion

India's merchandise exports saw a significant contraction of 9.3 per cent in August, falling to $34.7 billion, according to data released by the commerce department. This decline can be attributed to a combination of subdued global demand and ongoing geopolitical challenges that have impacted international trade dynamics.

On the other hand, the value of inbound shipments into India increased by 3.3 per cent, reaching $64.4 billion during the same month. Despite this rise in imports, the country's trade balance was negatively affected, resulting in a trade deficit of $29.65 billion. This trade deficit highlights the imbalance between the value of goods imported into India and the value of goods exported from the country.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal explained that several factors have significantly impacted India's merchandise exports, including a notable slowdown in China's economic activity, declining petroleum prices, a recession in Europe, and various transportation and logistics-related challenges.

In contrast, during the first quarter of the financial year (April-June), India's outbound shipments showed a robust growth of 5.8 per cent compared to the same period last year, totalling $109.9 billion.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) provided a more optimistic outlook in its April Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report. The WTO projected a gradual recovery in global merchandise trade volumes for 2024 and 2025, following a contraction in 2023. This contraction was attributed to the lingering effects of high energy prices and inflationary pressures in advanced economies, especially in Europe. 

The WTO forecasted a 2.6 per cent growth in merchandise trade for 2024 and a 3.3 per cent increase for 2025, recovering from a 1.2 per cent decline in 2023. However, the organisation cautioned that ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions could impede the full extent of this trade recovery by causing additional spikes in food and energy prices.