Import Boosts India’s GST Collection to Record Levels

India’s goods and services tax (GST) collection reached a record ₹2.43 lakh crore in April 2026, driven by a substantial increase in imports.

Imports surged by 25.8%, contributing significantly to the total GST revenue. The import-related GST revenue stood at ₹57,580 crore.

In comparison, last year’s April 2025 GST collection was ₹2.23 lakh crore. This indicates a strong upward trend in the country’s import activities.

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

The overall refund process also demonstrated growth, with total refunds increasing by 19.3% to ₹31,793 crore. Domestic refunds rose sharply by 54.6%, while export refunds declined by 14%.

This boost in GST collection is significant for India’s economic landscape as it reflects both increased import trade and domestic consumption patterns.

Historically, the GST collection was ₹1.67 lakh crore in April 2022 and reached ₹2.10 lakh crore in April 2024, showing consistent growth over the years.

The current figures indicate that while imports are thriving, the underlying factors affecting domestic demand will require monitoring.