India’s exports to China climbed 33 percent to $12.22 billion during April–November 2024-25, marking the country’s strongest performance in four years, according to data from the commerce ministry. The revival was fueled by a sharp rise in electronics, agricultural produce, and base metals, signaling a broader restructuring of India’s export mix to its second-largest trading partner.
Electronics emerged as the star performer. Exports of populated printed circuit boards soared from just $23.9 million to $922.4 million during the period, while demand for flat panel display modules and telephony apparatus also jumped. The momentum extended to agriculture and marine products, including dried chilies, green gram, black tiger shrimp, and Vannamei shrimp. Base metal shipments such as aluminum and refined copper billets added further lift.
Officials say the diversity of export growth shows India’s supply chains becoming more resilient. “This spread across electronic goods, agriculture and base metals indicates a broader structural expansion of India’s exports to China,” a commerce ministry official noted.
Analysts point out that exporters are redirecting shipments in response to U.S. tariffs, which have hurt price competitiveness in that market. “Indian industry is exploring opportunities in different markets as high tariffs in the U.S. make it difficult to ship goods competitively,” an exporter told PTI.
However, the trade gap remains wide. China’s exports to India driven by electronics, chemicals, and machinery continue to outpace imports, pushing the bilateral trade deficit toward an estimated $106 billion in 2025. Still, November’s 90 percent year-on-year surge to $2.2 billion offers a glimpse of India’s shifting trade strategy and emerging export resilience.
