Archive · 18 Aug 2026
India Hits Record Exports Despite Freight Surge Amid US-Iran War
India makes and sells many things to other countries, like machines, electronics, medicines, and clothes.
Those goods are sent on big ships across the ocean.
Lately, sending them has become more expensive because there is a conflict between the US and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, a very important waterway for ships.
Because of this, shipping companies are taking longer routes, and it is harder to find containers to pack the goods.
Even with all this trouble, India sold a record amount of stuff in July.
The total was almost $44.24 billion, which is 19.6% more than the same month last year.
One big reason is that India now sells to many more countries, such as China and Singapore, instead of just a few places.
Another reason is that India is making fancier, more valuable products that buyers still want even when shipping costs more.
Buyers also care about quality and on-time delivery, and Indian companies are working hard to be reliable.
So even though shipping is bumpy, India's exporters are still finding ways to grow.
India's merchandise exports hit a record $44.24 billion in July, up 19.6% year-on-year despite the US-Iran conflict driving up freight rates.
Freight costs on South Asia-US and South Asia-Europe routes have risen sharply, with container shortages and unpredictable vessel schedules causing delays.
Exports to China jumped 64.57% to $2.2 billion, shipments to Singapore rose 83.7% to $1.6 billion, and US-bound exports grew 12.85% to $9.02 billion.
Engineering goods exports rose 17.7% to $12.24 billion, while electronics exports surged 57.4% to about $5.9 billion in July.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said export growth is faster in non-traditional markets, and Mangalam Worldwide reported record July 2026 export turnover of Rs 21.79 crore, up nearly 278% year-on-year.
- Who
- Indian exporters, including firms such as Mangalam Worldwide Ltd, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal commenting on growth; the conflict involves the US and Iran.
- What
- India's merchandise exports reached a record $44.24 billion in July, up 19.6% year-on-year, despite surging cargo rates and shipping disruption tied to the US-Iran war.
- When
- July 2026
- Where
- India, with the Strait of Hormuz disruption affecting South Asia-US, South Asia-Europe, and Middle East shipping routes.
- Why
- Exports kept growing because India diversified into non-traditional markets such as ASEAN, Africa, South Asia, and North-East Asia, and shifted toward higher-value goods that can absorb higher freight costs.
- July merchandise exports
- $44.24 billion (record)
- Year-on-year growth
- 19.6%
- Engineering goods exports
- $12.24 billion, up 17.7%
- Electronics exports
- ~$5.9 billion, up 57.4%
- Exports to China
- $2.2 billion, up 64.57%
- Exports to Singapore
- $1.6 billion, up 83.7%
- Exports to the US
- $9.02 billion, up 12.85%
- Exports to the Middle East
- $5.7 billion, up 8.6%