India's exports to core BRICS markets surge 34% in April-August; China leads

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Representational image of BRICS countries’ flags. File. | Photo Credit: GettyImages/iStockphoto

India's exports to China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia grew 34% to $19.9 billion in April-August 2026-27, led by a 39% jump in shipments to China, highlighting the growing importance of the BRICS bloc for India's export growth.

"As India deepens its engagement with the BRICS bloc, strongest momentum is coming from the BRICS members, especially Core BRICS founding partners — China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia," an official said.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.

According to the Commerce Ministry data, exports to the four core BRICS economies grew by 34%, rising from $14.9 billion in April-August 2025-26 to $19.9 billion in April-August 2026-27.

The share of the four countries in India's total exports increased from 9.2% during the first five months of this fiscal from 8.1% in the same period of 2025-26.

Among the core BRICS countries, China emerged as the largest contributor , with Indian exports expanding by 39% to reach $9.6 billion in the first five months of 2026-27.

At the same time, South Africa recorded the fastest growth rate, with exports surging 58% during the period. Brazil and Russia also maintained steady double-digit growth of 13% and 11%.

"India is not only strengthening its trade footprint within BRICS but is also becoming more integrated with the bloc's largest economies. With exports to Core BRICS growing nearly three times faster than exports to the broader BRICS grouping, these markets are increasingly emerging as a key pillar of India's export strategy," the Commerce Ministry official said.

During April-August 2026-27, India's exports to Japan surged to $3.43 billion, registering a 43% growth over the same period last fiscal.

India is steadily expanding its presence in key sectors that align with Japan's industrial requirements, ranging from energy products and electronics to advanced materials.

The export momentum is being led by mineral fuels, which recorded an increase of $231.7 million (76%), highlighting growing energy trade between the two countries.

Simultaneously, exports of electronics and aluminium also recorded healthy growth.