In the high-stakes world of global trade, data is your most expensive asset—unless you know where the Government of India hides it for free. In 2026, the Ministry of Commerce has made India one of the most transparent trading nations by providing granular, 8-digit level data to anyone with an internet connection.
The "Data Goldmine": Accessing India’s Official Trade Banks (2026)
Most new exporters waste lakhs on private data subscriptions that simply "scrape" (copy) data from government portals. By using official sources, you get 100% authentic, real-time figures direct from Indian Customs.
Top 3 Government Portals for Free Trade Data
1. TradeStat: The Export-Import Data Bank (EIDB)
Best For: Detailed annual and monthly commodity-wise research.
The Portal: tradestat.commerce.gov.in
Key Features: This is the "mother of all trade banks." It allows you to search by HSN Code (2, 4, 6, or 8 digits) and see exactly how much of a product India exported to which country.
Unique Insight: You can generate "Country-wise all Commodities" reports to see what else a specific nation is buying from India, helping you diversify your catalog.
2. NIRYAT Portal (National Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade)
Best For: Visualizing trends, state-level performance, and mapping "District as Export Hubs."
The Portal: niryat.gov.in
Key Features: Unlike the dense tables of TradeStat, NIRYAT is a Geospatial Dashboard. It’s perfect for answering: "Which Indian state is the top exporter of Onion Powder?" or "What is the month-on-month growth of Cashew exports to the USA?"
Why Use It: It’s the fastest way to prepare professional pitch decks for investors or banks.
3. DGCIS Foreign Trade Data Dissemination Portal
Best For: Raw, high-granularity data and "Principal Commodity" analysis.
The Portal: ftddp.dgciskol.gov.in
Key Features: Operated by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), this is the primary source from which all other websites get their data.
Pro Tip: Use the "Guest Login" feature. It provides access to "Principal Commodity" level data for free. While some 8-digit reports are paid, the free aggregate data is more than enough for initial market validation.
How to Use TradeStat Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s say you want to research Onion Powder (HSN 07122000) exports for the last year.
Select Trade Type: Choose "EXPORTS".
Select Report: Choose "Commodity-wise all Countries".
Enter HSN Code: Type 07122000 (8-digit is best for accuracy).
Select Year: Choose the current or previous financial year (e.g., 2025-26).
Analyze the "Values": The portal will show you the Quantity (KGS) and Value (₹ Crores / US$ Million).
Strategic Tip: If the Quantity is decreasing but the Value is increasing, it means the global price is rising—time to enter the market!
Why 8-Digit ITC-HS Codes Matter
In India, we follow the ITC-HS (Indian Trade Classification).
2-Digit (Chapter): Edible Vegetables (07).
4-Digit (Heading): Dried Vegetables (0712).
8-Digit (Product): Onion Powder (07122000).
Rule of Thumb: Never research at the 4-digit level. It’s too broad and will give you "noisy" data that includes dried garlic, leeks, and other unrelated vegetables.
Common "Hidden" Data Points You Should Look For
| Data Point | Where to Find It | Why it's a "Secret Weapon" |
| Port of Loading | DGCIS Analytical Reports | Tells you which Indian port (Mundra, Nhava Sheva, etc.) has the most volume for your product. |
| Region-wise Trade | TradeStat (EIDB) | Helps you see if a specific FTA (like India-UAE CEPA) is actually increasing volumes. |
| Unit Value | Calculation (Value ÷ Quantity) | This gives you the Actual FOB Price your competitors are charging. |
Summary Table: Which Site Should You Use?
| Goal | Use This Site |
| Check 8-digit HSN Performance | TradeStat (EIDB) |
| Find Top Exporting States in India | NIRYAT |
| Download Official PDF Bulletins | DGCIS |
| Check Import Policy/Restricted Items | DGFT |