Commerce Department takes its free trade agreement outreach to Jaipur as exports touch US$ 476.20 billion in six months

18 October 2026

The Department of Commerce organised a Leveraging FTAs outreach programme in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to create awareness about the benefits available under India's Free Trade Agreements and to help exporters use them. The programme was addressed by Joint Secretary Shri Mohit Yadav and drew exporters, the Government of Rajasthan, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Jaipur Special Economic Zone and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Cumulative exports of merchandise and services during April-September 2026-27 are estimated at US$ 476.20 billion, against US$ 418.31 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26, an estimated growth of 13.84 per cent. Major drivers of merchandise export growth in September 2026 included electronic goods, petroleum products, organic and inorganic chemicals, engineering goods, and cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products. A presentation noted that India ranks eighth among global gems and jewellery exporters with a 2.9 per cent share in the US$ 1 trillion global market. Discussions covered rules of origin, tariff preferences, certification and buyer linkages.