Exports to Asean, North East Asia surge 62% and 30%, respectively
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India’s merchandise exports are showing signs of greater geographical diversification, with shipments to the Asean bloc and North East Asia (NEA) registering strong growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, led by a sharp increase in exports to Singapore and China.Exports to Singapore more than doubled to $6.52 billion during April-June 2026-27 from $3.24 billion in the year-ago period, per government data. Exports to China also recorded a sharp increase, rising nearly 27 per cent to $5.59 billion from $4.39 billion.The strong performance in these markets contributed to a broader shift towards Asian and emerging markets, officials highlighted. “NAFTA and Europe retained the highest export values but grew modestly at 2 per cent and 6 per cent respectively (in the first quarter of FY27). Meanwhile, NEA and South Asia expanded strongly by 30 per cent and 32 per cent, highlighting increasing diversification towards faster growing Asian and emerging markets,” an official pointed out.Surge in exports Exports to Asean surged 62 per cent year-on-year to $14.60 billion from $9.04 billion, making it the fastest-growing major region for Indian merchandise exports during the quarter.Exports to NEA expanded 30 per cent to $12.14 billion from $9.36 billion a year earlier. Africa, too, emerged as another strong-performing region, with exports rising 53 per cent to $13.67 billion in the first quarter.The shift towards Asian and emerging markets assumes greater significance as geopolitical tensions, US tariff uncertainty and the West Asia crisis disrupt trade routes, raise shipping costs and lengthen transit times to key markets such as Europe“The growth in exports in India’s non-traditional markets is a healthy sign of diversification. It adds to the country’s resilience,” the official said.India’s export growth in the key Asian markets was markedly higher than India’s overall merchandise export growth which rose 15.9 per cent year-on-year to $129.32 billion in April-June 2026-27 from $111.57 billion a year earlier.The growth across Asean was broad-based. Exports to Malaysia rose to $2.54 billion from $1.45 billion, while shipments to Vietnam increased to $1.95 billion from $1.30 billion. Exports to Hong Kong, a key NEA market, rose to $2.24 billion from $1.49 billion.The regional pattern was markedly different from that in traditional markets. Exports to NAFTA countries, while remaining the largest regional market at $28.41 billion, grew only 2 per cent from $27.90 billion. Exports to Europe increased 6 per cent to $25.05 billion.Published on August 14, 2026
