EconomyTuesday, 24 March 2026·The Hindu
India’s trade shift in February 2026: China overtakes Netherlands as third-largest export market
In February 2026, China became India’s third-largest export destination as exports rose 32.4% to $1.67 billion.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In February 2026, China overtook the Netherlands to become India’s third-largest export destination, with shipments rising 32.4% year-on-year to $1.67 billion amid a broader decline in exports to the United States.
Key specifics
- China became India’s third-largest export market in February 2026.
- Exports to China rose 32.4% year-on-year to $1.67 billion.
- Imports from China increased 30.5% to $11.95 billion.
- The bilateral trade deficit crossed the $100 billion mark for the April–February period.
- Exports to the United States fell 12.88% to $6.88 billion in February 2026.
Exam lens
Economy + external trade, February 2026, China, $1.67 billion, $11.95 billion, $100 billion deficit — TNPSC may ask the new export ranking and deficit figures.