India’s merchandise exports to the US slipped 1.83% year-on-year to $6.88 billion in December 2025, weighed down by higher tariffs imposed by Washington, according to Commerce Ministry data released on Thursday, PTI reported.Exports to the US had stood at $7.01 billion in December 2024. The latest contraction follows declines in September and October last year, even as shipments rebounded sharply by 22.61% in November.

Imports from the US, however, rose 7.57% to $4.03 billion in December 2025, the data showed.On a cumulative basis, India’s exports to the US during April–December of the current fiscal grew 9.75% to $65.87 billion, while imports increased 12.85% to $39.43 billion over the same period.The US has imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on Indian goods entering American markets from August 27. At the same time, the two countries are engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement aimed at boosting two-way commerce.Commenting on the data, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that despite the challenges, India’s exports continue to remain in positive territory.“We have been holding well. We are in positive territory… Going forward, we hope that we will be in positive territory,” he told reporters here.Agrawal also said India continues to source oil from all its traditional suppliers.