Consumer cos' forex wallet glows despite gobal woes

Kolkata: Despite global challenges, consumer-facing companies in daily essentials, automobiles, electronics, and liquor experienced a surge in exports, driving foreign exchange earnings to new heights in the fiscal year 2026 (FY26). According to an ET study analyzing 20 large publicly traded firms, their combined export forex earnings surged by 29%, marking the fastest growth in four years.

This remarkable increase occurred despite substantial import bills and headwinds such as US tariffs and a significantly weaker rupee, which made imports costlier.

These companies collectively earned over ₹1,08,269 crore from exports, while their forex outgo on imports reached ₹1,04,361 crore, a 17% increase. Companies like Maruti Suzuki, Marico, Godrej Consumer Products, Hyundai, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, and Blue Star boosted their export contributions to total revenue by 1-5 percentage points in FY26.

Atul Khanna, chief accounting officer at LG Electronics India, highlighted that the company plans to expand exports to new geographies and product categories to maintain competitiveness amid rising input costs.

ITC, in its annual report, emphasized forex earnings as a priority, mandating all its businesses to engage with overseas markets to enhance international competitiveness. Similarly, Radico Khaitan, a liquor maker, reported a 25% rise in forex earnings from exports, reaching ₹327 crore, and noted a growing export presence in more than 100 countries, accounting for 5-6% of volumes but a higher value share.

Hyundai India also credited localisation as a key factor in its cost competitiveness, focusing on indigenising high-value components to remain competitive in the face of global challenges.