India’s merchandise exports rose 2.56 percent to US$35.2 billion in June from US$34.32 billion in the same month a year ago, according to government data released on Monday. Imports rose nearly 5 percent to US$56.18 billion in June from US$53.51 billion a year ago.
The trade deficit, or the difference between imports and exports, stood at US$20.98 billion during the month under review. Briefing the media on the figures, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that as per the current trend, the country’s total exports of goods and services could cross US$ 800 billion this financial year.
He said exports of goods and services during the first quarter of 2024-25 stood at about US $ 200 billion. India’s merchandise exports rose 9.1 percent to US$38.13 billion in May, while the trade deficit widened to a seven-month high of US$23.78 billion.
During April-June in the current financial year, exports increased by 5.84 percent to US $ 109.96 billion and imports increased by 7.6 percent to US $ 172.23 billion.