Import Boosts India’s GST Collection to Record High

By 01.05.2026
आयात — IN news

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached a record ₹2.43 lakh crore on April 1, 2026, propelled by a significant rise in imports.

This represents a 25.8% increase in imports compared to the previous year. The GST revenue linked to imports surged by ₹57,580 crore. Last year, in April 2025, the GST collection was ₹2.23 lakh crore.

The domestic revenue also saw growth, with a 4.3% year-on-year increase, totaling ₹1.85 lakh crore. However, signs of softening domestic demand have emerged.

The total refunds issued climbed by 19.3%, reaching ₹31,793 crore. Domestic refunds increased significantly by 54.6%, while export refunds decreased by 14%.

The historical context shows that in April 2022, the GST collection was only ₹1.67 lakh crore. By April 2024, it had risen to ₹2.10 lakh crore.

The ongoing trends indicate that while import trade boosts revenue, concerns about domestic demand may affect future growth.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah is an investigative reporter focusing on politics and social issues.