Exports in March dip 0.66%, up 9.78% in 2017-18 but trade deficit widens

Exports in March fell to $29.1 billion year-on-year while imports rose 7.15% to $42.8 billion, widening India’s trade deficit to $13.69 billion
India’s merchandise exports in March fell 0.7% year-on -year, for the first time in five months, to $29.1 billion. Photo: Bloomberg
India’s merchandise exports in March fell 0.7% year-on -year, for the first time in five months, to $29.1 billion. Photo: Bloomberg

New Delhi: India’s exports in March dipped by 0.66% to $29.11 billion, even as they increased by 9.78% for the full fiscal year 2017-18.

Exports aggregated at $302.84 billion in 2017-18 as compared to $275.85 billion in the previous fiscal. Imports in March grew by 7.15% to $42.8 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $13.69 billion, according to data released by the commerce ministry on Friday.

Oil imports during the month under review were valued at $11.11 billion, 13.92% higher than the same month previous year. During 2017-18, imports increased by 19.59% to $459.67 billion. Trade deficit during the fiscal stood at $156.83 billion.