The second edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q2 of the financial year 2024-25 (July to September) was officially released on March 28, 2025, in New Delhi by Dr Arvind Virmani, Member of NITI Aayog. Published by NITI Aayog, the report offers a comprehensive overview of India’s trade performance, analysing global demand-supply trends, sector-specific developments, and emerging opportunities in the international trade landscape.

During Q2 FY’25, India recorded a steady trade growth of 5.67 per cent in the April–September 2024 period compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Notably, copper entered the top ten import categories, with a significant 28 per cent year-on-year surge, primarily driven by increased infrastructure demand. While export composition remained largely consistent with the previous quarter, electrical machinery and nuclear reactors showed notable year-on-year growth. In contrast, mineral fuels and iron & steel experienced declines. North America and the European Union accounted for nearly 40 per cent of India’s exports, while Northeast and West Asia continued as major import partners.

This edition places special emphasis on the textile sector, a vital contributor to India’s industrial output, employment generation, and export earnings. India ranks among the top ten textile exporters globally, holding a 4 per cent share in international trade. The country maintains a competitive edge in natural fibre-based textiles, with cotton and carpets representing about 70 per cent of its textile exports. However, global demand is increasingly shifting toward man-made and technical textiles, presenting India with new avenues for diversification, higher value addition, and improved integration into global supply chains.

The insights provided in the publication aim to support policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in shaping strategic trade decisions and enhancing India’s global trade presence.