India’s merchandise exports grew by around 15 per cent during the April-June 14 period this year despite global economic challenges, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.
Speaking at an interaction with chartered accountants in Mumbai, Goyal said India’s exports maintained strong momentum despite a 50 per cent tariff imposed by the United States.
“Even now, if we see April, May and 14 days of June, I have data until June 14. It (exports growth) is 15 per cent,” Goyal said.
India’s merchandise exports had recorded an 18 per cent year-on-year rise in May, reaching a six-month high of $45.2 billion. However, the trade deficit widened to $28.21 billion during the month.
During April-May 2026-27, exports increased 16.09 per cent to $88.91 billion, while imports rose 15.14 per cent to $145.35 billion. The trade deficit during the period stood at $56.44 billion.
Calling upon chartered accountants to contribute towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’, Goyal said development must begin at the local level.
“Where does Viksit Bharat begin? It begins in North Mumbai. We have to handle our own area first,” he said.
Goyal, who represents the Mumbai North constituency in the Lok Sabha, also urged officials, municipal authorities, and corporators to launch a cleanliness campaign in the area.
He said collective efforts were needed to keep homes, societies, businesses, and neighbourhoods clean.