India’s trade deficit widens in Jan 2026; Exports to the US rise, and Gold imports surge

On Monday, February 16, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that India's trade deficit increased in January 2026 despite the nation's robust growth in exports of goods and services. 

Due in large part to an increase in imports of gold and silver due to rising global prices, the deficit for the month increased to $10.38 billion.

The ministry insisted that India's overall trade performance is still strong, with cumulative exports for the first ten months of the fiscal year demonstrating a healthy expansion, despite the imbalance on the import front.

Between April 2025 and January 2026, total exports increased by 6.15% to $720.76 billion from $679.02 billion in the same period the previous year.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/