India’s exports to China jump 33% in April–November, signalling shift in trade pattern

China is gradually emerging as a major export destination for India, with shipments rising 33 per cent to USD 12.22 billion during April–November of the current fiscal, according to commerce ministry data.

The data signals a structural shift in the bilateral trade relationship, with export growth spread across multiple sectors rather than concentrated in a few product categories.

The increase in exports during the eight-month period was driven by oil meals, marine products, telecom instruments and spices, the data showed.

In the electronics segment, items that registered significant growth included populated printed circuit boards, with exports rising sharply from USD 23.9 million to USD 922.4 million. Other products showing growth were flat panel display modules and electrical apparatus used for telephony.

Agricultural and marine exports to China during the period included dried chillies, black tiger shrimp, green gram, Vannamei shrimp and oil-cake residues. Aluminium and refined copper billets also contributed notably to the rise in shipments.

“This spread across electronic goods, agriculture and base metals, indicates that the export surge is not narrowly concentrated but reflects a broader structural expansion of India’s exports to China,” an official said.

An exporter said that Indian industry is exploring opportunities in different markets, as high tariffs in the US are making it difficult to ship goods at competitive rates in America.