UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

The September 2026 merchandise-trade data reported in the newspaper show that India’s exports:

  1. rose 23.04% year-on-year to $44.4 billion
  2. fell 23.04% to $36.08 billion
  3. rose only because gold imports increased
  4. eliminated the merchandise trade deficit

Answer

Correct Answer

rose 23.04% year-on-year to $44.4 billion

Explanation

Exports rose from $36.08 billion to $44.4 billion, a 23.04% increase, while the trade deficit narrowed to $30.21 billion because precious-metal imports fell. The deficit was not eliminated, and gold imports declined rather than increased.

Topics: economy, external sector, merchandise trade, september 2026 exports