Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Free Trade Agreements Drive India's Record Export Growth
India made special deals called Free Trade Agreements with other countries.
These deals let Indian companies pay less tax when they sell goods abroad.
A new government report says these deals are helping India sell more than ever before.
Last year, India sold a record $863.1 billion worth of goods and services to the world.
The good news has continued this year, with exports growing by more than 11 percent.
To get cheaper taxes, companies must show a special paper called a Certificate of Origin.
This paper proves where the goods were made.
Many companies are now using these certificates, which shows the agreements are working.
Countries like the UAE and Australia are buying a lot of Indian products.
The government is helping businesses use the deals to reach new markets.
India's combined merchandise and services exports reached a record $863.1 billion in FY 2025-26, including $441.8 billion in merchandise exports.
Combined exports for April-June FY 2026-27 were estimated at $232.73 billion, up 11.37% year-on-year.
India's FTA partners have become important markets, with the UAE crossing $37.35 billion and Australia surpassing $7.28 billion in exports.
The EFTA TEPA generated 7,885 preferential Certificates of Origin after becoming operational in October 2025.
The Oman CEPA issued 783 Certificates of Origin following its implementation in June 2026, reflecting growing use of tariff concessions.
A government factsheet attributed the gains to rising preferential CoO issuance, wider export product ranges, and support measures for exporters.
- Who
- Indian exporters and the Indian government, which issued a factsheet on Tuesday.
- What
- India recorded its highest-ever combined merchandise and services exports of $863.1 billion in FY 2025-26, with continued growth in FY 2026-27 attributed to free trade agreements.
- When
- FY 2025-26, FY 2026-27 (April-June), with the factsheet issued on Tuesday.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Growing use of FTAs, rising preferential Certificate of Origin issuance, and government measures helping exporters access new markets.
- Record combined exports FY 2025-26
- $863.1 billion
- Merchandise exports FY 2025-26
- $441.8 billion
- Exports April-June FY 2026-27
- $232.73 billion (up 11.37% year-on-year)
- Exports to UAE
- $37.35 billion
- Exports to Australia
- $7.28 billion
- EFTA TEPA Certificates of Origin
- 7,885 (operational since October 2025)
- Oman CEPA Certificates of Origin
- 783 (operational since June 2026)
- Source
- Government factsheet issued Tuesday in New Delhi