China goes shopping in India as exports jump 39% and BRICS trade picks up

India's exports to major markets, including the BRICS nations, are experiencing significant growth. In the first five months of 2026-27, India's shipments to the four core BRICS economies—China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia—rose by 34% to $19.9 billion. China emerged as the largest contributor to this increase, with Indian exports to the country climbing 39% to $9.6 billion.

South Africa witnessed the sharpest growth among the four markets, with exports surging 58%. Shipments to Brazil and Russia also grew by 13% and 11%, respectively.

Commerce ministry data shows that exports to the four core BRICS members accounted for 9.2% of India's total exports in April-August 2026-27, up from 8.1% a year earlier. The trend indicates that the core BRICS markets are becoming increasingly important for Indian exporters. The rise in exports to these countries is a sign that India is strengthening its trade footprint within the BRICS bloc and deepening its engagement with the bloc's largest economies.

While the growth is particularly strong in BRICS markets, India is also expanding its export base beyond these traditional partners. Shipments to Japan rose 43% to $3.43 billion during the same period, driven by growth in mineral fuels, electronics, and aluminium. Exports to Italy increased by about 30% to $3.92 billion, while exports to South Korea grew by 22% to $3.21 billion. The primary sectors supporting this export momentum include mineral fuels, electronics, aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals.