India's Agricultural Exports and Imports (2025-26)
Overview of Agricultural Exports
India's farm exports grew by 2.3% year-on-year to $53.1 billion in the financial year 2025-26, despite steep tariffs imposed by the US.
- Growth was higher than the 0.9% increase in overall merchandise exports.
- Major drops due to US tariffs included pharmaceuticals, readymade garments, gold and jewellery, and leather products.
Diversification of Export Markets
- Marine products exports grew by 13.9% to over $8.4 billion.
- Buffalo meat exports increased by 25.6% to reach $5.1 billion.
- Coffee exports crossed the $2 billion mark for the first time.
Major Agricultural Import Commodities
- Vegetable oil imports reached 169.4 lakh tonnes, valued at $19.5 billion.
- Pulses imports were at 59.6 lakh tonnes, valued at $3.6 billion.
- Fresh fruits imports valued over $3.5 billion, with the US being a key supplier.
Shift in Trade Balance
India has shifted from being a net exporter to an importer of raw cotton due to production shortfalls.
- Imports of raw cotton in 2025-26 totaled $1.9 billion, exceeding exports.
Conclusion: Narrowing Trade Surplus
The surplus in agricultural trade has decreased from $27.7 billion in 2013-14 to $12.7 billion in 2025-26, indicating a narrowing gap.
India remains a surplus trader of agricultural products, although the margin is gradually decreasing.
