According to the Economic Times, India's exports to the United States remained flat in May 2025, standing at USD 8.82 billion, while imports from the US surged 54.43% to USD 3.8 billion. The data highlights a widening trade imbalance in favor of the US for that month.
India-US Bilateral Trade
For the April-May 2026-27 period, India's overall merchandise exports rose marginally by 0.5% to USD 17.3 billion, while imports increased 19.43% to USD 11.14 billion, according to the Economic Times. The contrasting growth rates signal a stronger demand for US goods relative to Indian goods in the early months of the fiscal year.
Trade with China
India's exports to China surged 24.8% in May to USD 2 billion, while imports from China rose 23.4% to USD 12.8 billion. The resulting trade deficit with China stood at USD 10.8 billion, the Economic Times reported.
Import Surge from Other Partners
The Economic Times noted significant increases in imports from several other countries in May. Imports from Brazil rose 358.83% to USD 1.35 billion, while imports from Peru grew 208.94% to USD 781.52 (likely in millions or thousands, though the source did not specify the unit). Additionally, imports from Russia, Korea, Singapore, Japan, Germany, Thailand, and Malaysia also increased, though no specific percentages or values were provided for those nations.
| Trading Partner | Export Value (May) | Import Value (May) | Trade Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD 8.82 billion | USD 3.8 billion | USD 5.02 billion surplus |
| China | USD 2 billion | USD 12.8 billion | USD 10.8 billion deficit |
| Brazil | Not specified | USD 1.35 billion | Deficit |
| Peru | Not specified | USD 781.52 (unit unclear) | Deficit |
Broader Implications
The flat export growth to the US and the sharp import rise suggest that Indian exporters may face headwinds in the US market, while US goods are gaining traction in India. The overall trade data for April-May shows a widening merchandise trade deficit. For import/export professionals and trade policy analysts, these figures underscore the need to monitor bilateral trade dynamics closely, especially as India pursues free trade agreement negotiations with several countries.
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