India’s goods trade gap with China widened by more than $14 billion in April-September 2026-27 despite faster export growth, as imports remained far above exports, official data show.
The Department of Commerce’s country-wise merchandise tables show exports to China rose to $11.412 billion from $8.387 billion in the same six months a year earlier. Imports reached $80.350 billion, up from $62.861 billion.
Subtracting exports from imports puts the goods deficit at $68.938 billion, compared with $54.474 billion in April-September 2025-26. The deficit and total trade figures are calculated from the tables.
Merchandise trade between the countries totaled $91.762 billion, up from $71.248 billion a year earlier. Imports were about seven times the value of exports, rising by $17.489 billion over the year while exports grew by $3.025 billion, calculations from the tables show.
Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal voiced hope for stronger Indian sales of goods and services in China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He welcomed Chinese suppliers meeting Indian demand and said pricing complaints should be handled through a formal judicial process, PTI reported.
PTI also quoted Goyal as saying India believes in “the rules of open trade” and seeks reciprocal access for its goods and services abroad. Asked about China’s export controls, Goyal replied, “We will work on it,” the news agency reported.
The Indian trade tables cover merchandise and do not quantify services trade, which was part of the export ambition Goyal described.
A readout from the Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed dialogue and an agreement addressing border issues that arose in 2020 during their Oct. 23, 2024, meeting.
On Oct. 19, China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs issued rules restricting exports of tunnel-boring machines, along with designated technologies and components. The notice does not identify India.
Exporters need licenses for shipments to destinations China classifies as sensitive amid disputes. For other destinations, exporters must register shipment information to obtain an export certificate. The controls take effect Nov. 18.
