Exports of cereals excluding rice surged sharply by 170.14 per cent year-on-year, emerging as the fastest-growing category India’s food product exports recorded steady growth across multiple categories in February 2026,…

Exports of cereals excluding rice surged sharply by 170.14 per cent year-on-year, emerging as the fastest-growing category

India’s food product exports recorded steady growth across multiple categories in February 2026, reflecting resilient global demand and strengthening momentum in agri-exports.

Among key segments, exports of cereals excluding rice surged sharply by 170.14 per cent year-on-year, emerging as the fastest-growing category. Coffee exports rose by 31.92 per cent, while shipments of meat, dairy and poultry products increased by 22.66 per cent, indicating robust demand in international markets.

Marine product exports also registered a healthy growth of 13.27 per cent, supported by stable demand in major importing countries. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable exports grew by 3.95 per cent, and processed food categories such as cereal preparations and miscellaneous processed items expanded by 3.25 per cent. Rice exports posted marginal growth of 0.7 per cent during the month.

The overall positive trend in food exports aligns with India’s broader trade performance, which saw gains across several sectors, including engineering goods, electronic goods, and chemicals.

On the services front, exports are estimated to grow by 10.23 per cent during April–February 2025–26 compared to the same period last year, further strengthening India’s external trade outlook.

Geographically, India’s export growth was driven by strong demand from key markets. In February 2026, exports to China grew by 32.37 per cent, Hong Kong by 32.14 per cent, Vietnam by 49.46 per cent, Sri Lanka by 57.3 per cent, and Togo more than doubled with a 110.96 per cent increase.

Over the April–February period, China remained a major growth driver with exports rising 37.66 per cent, followed by Spain (45.31 per cent), Hong Kong (30.91 per cent), the UAE (8.52 per cent), and the United States (3.84 per cent).

Despite a strong export performance, imports of several commodities declined in February, including pulses (-38.49 per cent) and raw cotton (-59.44 per cent), which may reflect improved domestic availability and moderated demand.

Overall, the sustained growth in food exports highlights India’s expanding footprint in global agricultural trade, supported by diversified product offerings and rising competitiveness in key markets.