Topic
may
Trade India's Exports Rise 18% to 6-Month High of $45.2 Billion in May, Trade Deficit Widens
India's merchandise exports rose 18% year-on-year to a record $45.2 billion in May, the highest in six months. However, the trade deficit widened to $28.21 billion as imports surged 20.62% to $73.41 billion, led by petroleum, crude oil, and gold. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal expressed optimism for FY27 if momentum continues, noting recovery from the West Asia crisis and expanded export base.
Trade India's Goods Exports Hit Record $45.2 Billion in May, Imports at 7-Month High
India’s goods exports reached a record $45.2 billion in May, up 18% year-on-year, driven by engineering goods and oil products. Imports rose 20.5% to $73.4 billion, a seven-month high, widening the trade deficit to $28.2 billion. Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal cited higher oil prices, supply chain restoration, and normalising shipments to West Asia.
Manufacturing India Auto Sales Hit Record High in May 2026 with Double-Digit Growth Across Segments
India's automobile industry recorded its highest-ever sales for May 2026, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers all posting double-digit growth, according to SIAM data. Maruti Suzuki led the passenger vehicle segment with a 50% market share. Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General, attributed the surge to a lower base, reduced GST rates, and easier financing.
Trade Gold Imports Rise 34% to $3.41 Billion in May; Silver Shipments Plunge Over 86%
India's gold imports rose 34% year-on-year to $3.41 billion in May 2026, while silver imports plunged over 86% to $75.57 million, following the government's import duty hike on precious metals from 6% to 15% effective May 13. The rise in gold imports pushed the trade deficit to $28.21 billion. Switzerland remained the top gold source with about 40% share, though imports from Switzerland dropped 57.73% in May.
Trade India's engineering exports jump 24% to USD 12.31 billion in May, EEPC reports as sector adapts to West Asia disruptions
India's engineering exports jumped 24% year-on-year to USD 12.31 billion in May 2026, according to EEPC India. Cumulative exports for April-May 2026-27 stood at USD 22.66 billion, a 16.8% increase over the same period last year. EEPC Chairman Pankaj Chadha highlighted the sector's adaptability amid West Asia conflict and noted that challenges persist despite the US-Iran peace deal announcement.
Trade India's Exports to US Flat in May 2025 as Imports Surge 54.43%
India's exports to the US remained flat at USD 8.82 billion in May 2025, while imports surged 54.43% to USD 3.8 billion. Overall bilateral trade data for April-May 2026-27 shows marginal export growth and significant import increase. Trade with China also saw notable shifts, with exports up 24.8% and imports up 23.4%.
Business India inflation likely rose to 4% in May as food, fuel costs climb
A Reuters poll of 38 economists forecasts India's consumer price inflation rose to 4.0% in May, up from 3.48% in April, driven by rising vegetable prices and four fuel price hikes by state-owned retailers. The Reserve Bank of India kept rates unchanged last week, but raised its inflation forecast for the fiscal year to 5.1%. Economists warn that wholesale price inflation, which accelerated to a 3-1/2-year high of 8.3% in April, will feed through to consumer prices gradually.
Trade TOI Business Desk Profile: How the Team Covers Global Economic News for Readers
The TOI Business Desk is a team of journalists dedicated to providing the latest business news from around the globe. Their coverage spans industries, markets, economic trends, and exclusive reports, helping readers navigate the complexities of the business world.
Trade Indian Goods Exports Estimated to Grow 15% in May, Driven by Petroleum and Other Sectors
Indian goods exports are estimated to have grown 15% in May 2026, driven by high global oil prices boosting the crude refining industry, according to a government official. Excluding petroleum, exports rose 11%. The official also stated that the first phase of the India-US bilateral trade agreement can be finalised after the US concludes Section 301 investigations, which will end temporary 10% tariffs on July 24.
Business US-Iran War Impact: India's Retail Inflation Rises Marginally to 3.93% in May, Food Inflation Edges Up to 4.78%
According to a Business Today report, India's retail inflation edged up to 3.93% in May 2026 from previous months, while food inflation rose to 4.78%. The report attributes the marginal rise to impacts from the US-Iran conflict, though no detailed trade or customs data was provided.
Business India's Retail Inflation Quickens to 3.93% in May, Stays Below RBI Target for 16
India's retail inflation accelerated to 3.93% in May, driven by higher food and fuel prices, marking the highest reading under the revamped CPI series. Despite the rise, inflation has stayed below the RBI's 4% target for 16 straight months, giving policymakers room to support growth. However, risks from rising energy costs and a below-normal monsoon could complicate the outlook.
Commodities India Palm Oil Imports Rise in May but Stay Below Average Levels
India's palm oil imports edged up 7% month-on-month in May to 549,356 metric tons, rebounding from a four-month low but remaining below the 632,000-ton monthly average of the previous marketing year. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) reported that soyoil imports surged 37% as its price advantage over palm oil narrowed, while sunflower oil imports fell nearly 32%. Total vegetable oil imports rose 4.2% to 1.37 million tons, the highest in three months.
Commodities LPG Sales Plummet 19% Year-on-Year Amid Supply Disruptions
LPG sales in India fell by 19% year-on-year in May, dropping to 2.1 million tonnes from 2.6 million tonnes in 2025. The decline is attributed to government demand management measures and supply disruptions.
Manufacturing Tractor Demand Surges with 11.6% Rise in Registrations
India's tractor registrations increased by 11.6% in May 2026, reaching 81,776 units. This growth is attributed to strong rural cash flows and replacement demand, with Mahindra & Mahindra, TAFE, and International Tractors leading the market.
Logistics Record Growth in Transportation Pricing Index for May
The transportation pricing index recorded unprecedented growth in May, driven by capacity constraints and rising fuel costs. This surge affects freight rates and logistics operations globally.
Finance Foreign Investors Withdraw Rs 32,000 Crore Amid Rupee Weakness
Foreign Portfolio Investors withdrew Rs 32,000 crore from Indian equities in May 2026, driven by rupee depreciation and global market opportunities. The rupee's fall to 95.5 against the USD has impacted returns.
Business FPIs Withdraw Rs 33k Cr from Indian Equities in May
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 32,963 crore from Indian equities in May 2026, continuing a trend of capital outflows driven by weak earnings growth and rupee depreciation. Analysts highlight the impact of global developments and RBI policy on future flows.