Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal speaks during the 22nd JRD Tata Memorial Lecture organised by Assocham, in New Delhi, on Wednesday

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Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said India’s goods exports were growing robustly and shipments in April-July 2026 were expected to post a growth of about 15 per cent over the comparable period last year.On the India-US trade talks that slowed down after the US reciprocal tariffs were invalidated by the country’s Supreme Court, the Minister said it would come into operation as soon as the US ensured comparative advantage for India over ASEAN countries and some other neighbours.Speaking at an event organised by Assocham on Wednesday, Goyal said the latest trade numbers suggested a 15 per cent growth in goods exports in April-July 2026 (year on year).This would mean that exports in April-June could be around $170 billion, with shipments in July 2026 likely at about $40 billion.“I expect this momentum to continue as we implement FTAs with more economies,” Goyal told reporters.Per latest Commerce Department data shared earlier this month, goods exports in April-June 2026 posted 15.92 per cent year on year growth to $129.32 billion.On the India-US trade pact, Goyal reiterated the government’s stand“I had categorically expressed confidence that what was finalised with the US as first tranche of the BTA (in early February 2026) will come into operation as soon as US is able to ensure we get comparative advantage over countries in the neighborhood and ASEAN region” he told reporters on the sidelines.Section 301The Minister said India had participated in the Section 301 probes initiated by the US against India and some others. While tariffs had been imposed in the case of one probe the result of the other one was awaited.“As long we have comparative advantage on comparable duties, will continue to leverage US opportunity,” he said.Responding to questions on the US bipartisan bill seeking to impose more restrictions on major buyers of Russian energy, which could include India, the Minister said he would not comment on speculation.Published on July 29, 2026