India's exports to the U.S. remained largely steady or grew slightly over the last year despite steep tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump [2, 3].
The resilience of these trade figures suggests that Indian exporters have found ways to maintain market access and demand in the U.S. even as trade barriers rose.
Data from fiscal year 2026 shows that exports to the U.S. increased by nearly 1% [4]. While some reports indicate the share of exports remained largely unchanged [2], the overall trend shows a sector capable of absorbing significant policy shocks.
Growth has been uneven across different timeframes and sectors. In November, India's total exports jumped by nearly 20% year-on-year [1]. However, shipments specifically destined for the U.S. fell by 1% in December [3].
A primary driver of this stability has been the technology sector. Smartphone exports to the U.S. doubled during this period [4]. This surge in high-tech manufacturing helped offset losses in other categories that faced steep 50% tariffs [3, 4].
Despite these gains in specific sectors, the broader trade relationship has faced challenges. Reports indicate that India's trade deficit with the U.S. has widened [3]. This suggests that while India is maintaining its export volume, the balance of trade remains skewed.
Indian exporters have pursued diversification strategies to mitigate the impact of U.S. trade policy. By shifting focus toward products with persistent demand, such as smartphones, India has managed to brave the tariff environment [4].
“India's exports to the US increased by nearly 1% in FY26.”
The stability of India's exports indicates a strategic pivot toward high-demand electronics to counteract protectionist U.S. trade policies. While the widening trade deficit remains a concern, the growth in smartphone shipments demonstrates India's evolving role as a global manufacturing hub capable of maintaining U.S. market share despite significant tariff hurdles.
