The Parliament was informed on Tuesday that several free trade agreements (FTAs) are enhancing global market access, bolstering export diversity, and promoting labor-intensive industries as India achieved record exports of $863. 1 billion in FY2025-26.

Last fiscal year, merchandise exports reached $441. 8 billion and services exports increased even more to $421. 3 billion, demonstrating the combined power of India’s merchandise and services industries in boosting export growth.

Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated in a written response to the Lok Sabha that the government keeps tabs on how preferential tariff benefits are used under newly implemented trade agreements (signed after 2021) by using partner-country trade data and Certificates of Origin.

Since the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into effect on May 1, 2022, 4. 45 lakh Certificates of Origin have been issued, indicating a strong use of tariff concessions by Indian exporters.

In addition, between FY 2021-22 (pre-CEPA) and FY 2025-26, the number of tariff lines at the “HS 8-digit level” exported to the UAE rose from 7,546 to 8,053, with exports through these tariff lines valued at $37. 3 billion.

Prasada stated that after the implementation of CEPA, there was a rise of 507 tariff lines (6. 7%), demonstrating more export variety and deeper market penetration in the UAE market.

2. 73 lakh Certificates of Origin have been issued as a result of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

Before ECTA in December 2022, just 1,482 Certificates of Origin were issued in FY 2020-21. Following the Agreement’s implementation, the number of Certificates of Origin issued rose dramatically, averaging around 45,527 each year.

“In FY 2021-22, 5396 tariff lines at HS 8 level, and after FTA in FY 2025-26, 5668 tariff lines at HS 8 level valuing US$ 7. 2 Bn,” the minister stated. “This represents an increase of 272 tariff lines, indicating greater export diversification and expanded market access following the implementation of ECTA. ”

Through the issuance of 1,956 Certificates of Origin, Indian exporters have utilized preferential tariff benefits under the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA).

Additionally, the quantity of tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level sent to Mauritius climbed from 3,593 in FY 2021–22 (before CECPA) to 4,345 in FY 2025–26, with exports across these tariff lines totaling about $473 million.

The minister said that this signifies an increase of 752 tariff lines (20. 9%), which demonstrates increased market access and greater export diversification as a result of CECPA’s implementation.

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) grants 99. 38% of India’s exports to Oman duty-free access by value, covering 98. 08% of Oman’s tariff lines, making it one of India’s most complete market access outcomes in the Gulf area.

Since its effective date of June 1, 2026, 783 Certificates of Origin have been issued.

Additionally, the quantity of tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level exported to Oman rose from 2,879 in May 2026 to 3,371 in June 2026.

In June 2026, exports along these tariff lines were $622. 8 million, up from $402. 7 million in May 2026 (a 54. 7% month-on-month increase) and $215. 1 million in June 2025 (a 189. 6% year-on-year increase), indicating increased market access and export diversification after the Agreement was put into effect.

In 99. 6% of India’s export products and 92. 2% of tariff lines, the EFTA-TEPA has made an offer. As of October 2025, the date of its implementation, 7,885 Certificates of Origin have been granted, demonstrating the excellent use of tariff concessions by Indian exporters.

The minister stated that “the labor-intensive industries have been a crucial priority in India’s recent FTA negotiations. Agreements made with the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the United Kingdom, Oman, New Zealand, and EFTA have ensured enhanced market access while taking a measured strategy to protect vulnerable domestic industries. “