India’s exports to the United States soared to a record $11.2 billion in March 2025, marking the highest monthly export volume ever recorded between the two nations, according to new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. This surge represents a nearly 50% jump from India’s recent monthly average of $7.5 billion and is the first time exports have crossed the $10 billion mark.

The historic spike pushed total U.S.–India goods trade to an unprecedented $14.96 billion for the month. Imports from India dominated the flow, totaling $11.19 billion, while U.S. exports to India came in at $3.77 billion. That left a monthly trade deficit of $7.42 billion in India’s favour—the largest so far in 2025.

From January to March 2025, U.S. exports to India reached $10.47 billion, while imports from India climbed to $27.69 billion, creating a cumulative trade gap of $17.22 billion over the quarter.

Trump’s tariff’s impact on Indian exports

The March surge comes amid a 90-day tariff pause announced by President Donald Trump. The pause has encouraged businesses on both sides to ramp up shipments, fueling stronger-than-usual trade activity. India, currently subject to a suspended 26% reciprocal tariff, is actively engaged in discussions with the United States on a bilateral trade agreement. On Tuesday, President Trump revealed that India has offered to eliminate tariffs on steel, auto components, and pharmaceuticals—within defined import quotas—as part of efforts to advance toward a potential deal.

India’s export scenario to US in previous years

In 2024, total goods trade between the U.S. and India hit $129.2 billion, up from $124.1 billion in 2023, reinforcing the steady growth in bilateral economic ties. At the same time, the overall U.S. trade deficit hit a record $140.5 billion in March. Companies across industries front-loaded imports in anticipation of Trump’s new tariff regime. Imports surged 4.4% to $419 billion, while goods imports climbed 5.4% to an all-time high of $346.8 billion. Exports saw only modest growth, rising 0.2% to $278.5 billion, with goods exports up 0.7% to $183.2 billion.

US trade deficit hits record high in March

The US trade deficit surged to a record $140.5 billion in March, marking the highest monthly gap on record, as businesses rushed to import goods ahead of new tariffs announced by president Trump. The sharp increase was driven by a historic spike in imports, while exports remained largely flat, according to data from the Commerce Department.