New Delhi | 6 January 2026 : NITI Aayog today released the fifth edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Quarter I of FY 2025–26 (April–June 2025), offering a comprehensive and data-driven assessment of India’s trade performance amid evolving global conditions. The publication was released by Arvind Virmani, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, in the presence of senior officials and members.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Virmani noted that the latest edition provides a nuanced analysis of emerging structural shifts in India’s trade profile, including the rising share of technology-intensive exports, the continued strength of services-led growth, and changes in import composition reflecting deeper integration into global value chains. He emphasised that strengthening export competitiveness—particularly in high-potential sectors—will be critical for sustaining long-term growth and employment.
A key thematic focus of this quarter’s edition is India’s automotive exports, examining global demand patterns, India’s export footprint across vehicles and auto components, tariff structures, intra-industry trade, and participation in global value chains. The analysis highlights India’s strong performance in segments such as auto components, motorcycles, and tractors, underscoring growing manufacturing depth and international competitiveness.
While noting India’s progress, the report identifies substantial opportunities to expand market share in the $2.2 trillion global automotive export market, which continues to grow. Based on global export mapping, India-specific data, and stakeholder consultations, the publication outlines targeted policy priorities to enhance competitiveness—such as improving logistics, strengthening quality standards and certification systems, accelerating technology adoption, diversifying markets, and fostering forward linkages in global automotive supply chains.
The Trade Watch Quarterly serves as a valuable reference for policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and academia, offering evidence-based insights and forward-looking recommendations to strengthen India’s trade performance in a rapidly changing global environment.
Access the full publication:
https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-01/Trade_Watch_Quarterly_April_June_Q1_FY26.pdf
