Trade deficit widens in April-February

NEW DELHI, APPRIL 1. India's exports continued to surge ahead recording a double-digit 11.12 per cent growth in the first 11 months of 1999-2000 which was marginally short of the 11.3 per cent growth targeted for the entire financial year.

During April-February 1999-2000, exports touched $33.31 billion as against $29.98 billion during the corresponding period in 1998-99, the monthly trade data released here today said. In rupee terms, exports grew by 14.48 per cent.

Exports in February were valued at $3.09 billion which was 9.74 per cent higher than $2.81 billion exported in February last year. In rupee terms, the growth was 12.71 per cent.

The trade deficit was higher at $8.68 billion during the 11 month period under reference against $8.17 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Imports during the 11 months were estimated at $42 billion which were 10.07 per cent higher than $38.15 billion during the same period last year.

Imports in February this year were valued at $3.84 billion representing a growth of 21.78 per cent over $3.15 billion achieved in February 1999.

Oil imports during April-February 2000 were put at $8.79 billion recording a growth of 66.37 per cent as compared to $5.28 billion during the 11 months of the previous year.

Non-oil imports during the period were estimated at $33.21 billion which was 1.02 per cent higher than $32.87 billion registered in the same period in 1998-99.

- PTI

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