India's trade deficit with China crosses USD 100 bn in first 9-months

Beijing, India's trade deficit with China crossed USD 100 billion in the first nine months of this year, even as Indian exports grew by 40.7 per cent, sustaining their upward momentum amid a continued surge in Chinese exports.

India's trade deficit with China widened to USD 105.93 billion, up 20.7 per cent compared to last year, according to data released by China's General Administration of Customs on Wednesday.

The total bilateral trade increased by 25.4 per cent to USD 144.45 billion between January and September, according to the data.


China's exports to India touched USD 125.19 billion, registering a 23.3 per cent increase. Indian exports to China registered a 40.7 per cent increase, touching USD 19.26 billion, compared to the same period last year.

China's exports are dominated by electronics, machinery and chemicals catering to India's manufacturing base.

India's exports to China are made up of a mix of primary and resource products like ores, fuels, seafood and agricultural items, according to data.

China's trade data is compiled from January to December, while India's figures are calculated on a financial year basis from April to March.

According to India's Commerce Ministry, bilateral trade reached USD 151.1 billion last year.

India's exports to China rose 36.66 per cent to USD 19.47 billion during the last fiscal year, while imports increased 16 per cent to USD 131.63 billion.

The trade deficit swelled to an all-time high of USD 112.6 billion in 2025-26 as against USD 99.2 billion in 2024-25.

Over the years, India has been demanding China open its IT, pharma, and agricultural produce, which are India's strong areas, but with little success.