India’s April exports up by 20%

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) India's exports revival continued for the eighth successive month, recording 19.77 per cent growth during April 2017, official data showed on Monday.

According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, exports grew by 19.77 per cent to $24.63 billion from $20.56 billion worth of merchandise shipped out during April 2016.

"In continuation with the double-digit growth exhibited by exports during March 2017, exports during April 2017 have shown growth of 19.77 per cent in dollar terms valued at $24,635.09 million as compared to $20,568.85 million during April 2016," the ministry said in a statement.

"Non-petroleum and non- gems and jewellery exports in April 2017 were valued at $17,718.87 million against $15,136.41 million in April 2016 -- an increase of 17.06 per cent."

However, the country's imports during the month under review increased by 49.07 per cent to $37.88 billion. India's oil imports during last month increased by 30.12 per cent to $7.35 billion.

"The global Brent prices ($/bbl) have increased by 25.40 per cent in April 2017 vis-?-vis April 2016 as per World Bank commodity price data," the statement said.

The data revealed that non-oil imports were up by 54.50 per cent, to $30.52 billion from $19.75 billion in the corresponding month of last year.

Consequently, the trade deficit during the month under review was higher by 173.47 per cent to $13.24 billion from $4.84 billion reported for April 2016.

Further, the ministry disclosed the services exports data provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"Exports during March 2017 were valued at $14,179 million registering a positive growth of 8.57 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 3.76 per cent during February 2017," the ministry's statement said.

"Imports during March 2017 were valued at $8,267 million registering a positive growth of 14.26 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 13.96 per cent during February 2017."

The ministry said that cumulative trade balance including merchandise and services sectors has improved.

"Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April-March 2016-17 is estimated at $40,980 million which is 16.87 percent lower in dollar terms than the level of $49,297.53 million during April-March 2015-16," the statement added.

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