Amid Tariff Pause India’s Exports to the US Hit All-Time High in March 2025

According to the data from the United States Census Bureau, India’s goods exports to the United States reached a record $11.2 billion in March 2025, the highest monthly figure recorded between the two countries. This is a significant increase from the usual monthly average of $7.5 billion, and the first time the $10 billion mark has been crossed.

Total Goods Trade Nears $15 Billion

Overall goods trade between India and the U.S. stood at $14.96 billion for the month. India’s exports accounted for $11.19 billion, while the U.S. exported goods worth $3.77 billion to India. This resulted in a trade deficit of $7.42 billion for the U.S. in March alone.

Quarterly Trade Figures

For the first quarter of 2025 (January to March), India’s total exports to the U.S. reached $27.69 billion, while imports from the U.S. totalled $10.47 billion. The cumulative trade deficit for the U.S. during this period stood at $17.22 billion.

Monthly Breakdown – Q12025

• January: US exports to India – $3.2 billion, US imports from India – $8.1 billion
• February: US exports to India – $3.5 billion, US imports from India – $8.3 billion
• March: US exports to India – $3.77 billion, US imports from India – $11.2 billion

Temporary Tariff Pause

According to the reports, the increase in trade activity aligns with a 90-day reciprocal tariff pause announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The suspension period led to an uptick in shipments between the two countries. India remains subject to a 26% tariff, though suspended, and has offered to reduce tariffs on select goods like steel, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals, subject to quotas.

Read more: India’s Exports Reach Historic High of $825 Billion in FY2024-25!

Wider U.S. Trade Activity in March

The U.S. trade deficit for March rose to $140.5 billion, the highest ever. Imports climbed to $419 billion, driven by higher purchases of consumer goods, while exports rose slightly to $278.5 billion. Imports from countries including India, Mexico, and Vietnam were at record levels, while imports from China fell to a five-year low.

Conclusion

March saw a sharp rise in India-U.S. trade volumes, largely concentrated on the export side, during a temporary pause in tariff enforcement. In March, the U.S. trade deficit reached an unprecedented $140.5 billion, the largest monthly shortfall ever recorded. This surge was primarily fueled by a record increase in imports as businesses accelerated purchases of foreign goods in anticipation of new tariffs announced by President Trump.

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