India Exports to Core BRICS Markets Rise 34 Percent

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India reported a 34 percent increase in exports to core BRICS markets—China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia—reaching $19.9 billion between April and August 2026-27. This represents a rise from $14.9 billion in the same period last year, increasing the bloc's share of total Indian exports to 9.2 percent. China contributed the most volume with a 39 percent increase to $9.6 billion, while South Africa recorded the fastest growth rate at 58 percent.

Beyond the BRICS bloc, India saw substantial growth in shipments to free trade agreement partners. Exports to Singapore rose 101.2 percent to $6.52 billion, and shipments to Sri Lanka climbed 123.8 percent to $2.35 billion. Total exports to the ASEAN region grew by 61.6 percent to $14.61 billion. Other significant gains occurred in Japan, where exports surged 43 percent to $3.43 billion, as well as Italy and South Korea.

Government officials attribute this expansion to the active use of preferential trade arrangements, including the India-UAE CEPA and India-Australia ECTA, which lowered tariffs and opened new product categories. Growth in these diverse markets was primarily driven by electronics, mineral fuels, aluminium, and industrial raw materials. This follows a record combined export total of $863.1 billion in FY 2025-26.