Expect Strong Export Trend Across All Categories to Continue: Shailesh Chandra

Amidst varying domestic market sentiments and persistent supply chain challenges, India's automotive export sector is emerging as a significant bright spot, demonstrating robust growth across all categories. Overall exports are expected to grow in double digits in the current fiscal year.

Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM, indicated a strong and optimistic outlook, suggesting that the positive trend in exports is set to continue, contributing substantially to the industry's overall performance. He was speaking at the Q1 FY2026 industry performance briefing.

“On the export front, the trend shows that all categories are doing great. Especially in the GCC countries, the demand is showing strength. New markets are also opening across different regions, which is driving exports,” Chandra remarked, adding that he believes the trend will continue going forward. Notably, there is a strong belief that double-digit growth is a definite expectation for the current year.

For specific segments, this export momentum provides crucial support, industry experts pointed out. In the two-wheeler segment, for instance, growth in exports is seen as a positive factor, contributing to an overall more optimistic outlook compared to other segments. This external demand serves as a vital counterbalance, especially as some domestic categories face pressures from consumer sentiment or other market dynamics.

During Q1FY26 (April-June 2025), exports of two-wheelers reached 1.14 million units, marking a considerable 23.2% growth compared to the same period last year. This strong showing was primarily driven by a revival in neighboring markets and sustained growth momentum across key export destinations.

Passenger vehicles recorded their highest-ever exports in Q1 of FY2025-26, reaching 2.04 lakh units. This significant achievement represents robust growth of 13.2% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The surge in exports was primarily fueled by stable demand across most international markets.

Key regions contributing to this strong performance include the Middle East and Latin America, which demonstrated particularly robust demand. Additionally, a revival in neighboring markets such as Sri Lanka and Nepal, coupled with rising demand from Japan, further bolstered export figures. The increasing volume of exports facilitated by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), notably with Australia, also played a significant role in this overall uptick.

Likewise, during April-June 2025, exports of commercial vehicles posted solid growth of 23.4% compared to Q1 of the previous year, with the sector exporting around 0.2 lakh units.