Exports rise 10.29% in Aug; trade deficit swells to $11.64 bn

Imports too rose by 21.02 per cent to USD 35.46 billion in August from USD 29.3 billion in the year-ago month, according to the data released by the commerce ministry.

Trade deficit widened to USD 11.64 billion in the month under review from USD 7.7 billion in August 2016, due to increase in gold imports that rose by about 69 per cent to USD 1.88 billion last month.

In April 2017, exports rose by 19.77 per cent.

Oil and non-oil imports grew by 14.22 per cent and 23 per cent to USD 7.75 billion and USD 27.7 billion, respectively in August.

Cumulative exports during April-August 2017-18 increased by 8.57 per cent to USD 118.57 billion, while imports grew by 26.63 per cent to USD 181.71 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 63.14 billion.

"In continuation with the positive growth exhibited by exports for the last twelve months, exports during August have shown growth of 10.29 per cent in dollar terms," the ministry said in a statement.

Commenting on the data, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Gupta said while the August figures are encouraging, "I am worried about future growth as order booking position from October onwards is not good in view of increasing global uncertainties, rupee volatility and challenges at the domestic front."

"Exporters have stopped taking orders with least or no working capital at their disposal due to blockage of funds under GST (Goods and Services Tax) and uncertainties looming large on refunds for the months of July to October 2017," he added.

In August, petroleum, engineering and chemicals exports grew by 36.56 per cent, 19.53 per cent and 32.41 per cent, respectively during the last month.

However, sectors which recorded negative growth includes handicrafts, gems and jewellery and fruits and vegetables.