Date:15/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/15/stories/2006021505611700.htm

Business

Exports surge 21 p.c.

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Exports have surged by over 21 per cent in January but the trade gap has widened to $33.8 billion despite import growth having slowed down. Over the April- January (2005-06) period, the trade deficit has risen by $10 billion compared to $22.8 billion in the corresponding period last year.

The latest official data released here on Tuesday show exports are buoyant in January with 21.46 per cent growth at $8.45 billion compared to $6.9 billion in the same months last year. Imports have risen more slowly at 10.69 per cent. Total exports in the first ten months of the current fiscal have risen by 18.8 per cent to $74.9 billion from $63 billion over the same period in 2004-05.

Cumulative imports so far this fiscal increased by 26.67 per cent to $108.8 billion from $85.8 billion in April-January 2004-05.