New Delhi, May 15 (PTI) India's exports rose by 9.03 per cent to USD 38.49 billion in April on healthy growth in sectors such as electronics and engineering goods, while the trade deficit widened to a five-month high of USD 26.42 billion.

According to the commerce ministry data released on Thursday, imports increased by 19.12 per cent year-on-year to USD 64.91 billion in April due to a rise in shipments of crude oil and fertiliser.

The spurt in imports widened the trade deficit – the difference between the value of imports and exports – to the highest since November 2024 when it was recorded at USD 31.77 billion.

The sectors which recorded export growth during the month included tobacco, coffee, marine products, tea, ready-made garments of all textiles, rice, gems and jewellery, spices, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.

The outbound shipments of electronics and engineering goods rose by 39.51 per cent and 11.28 per cent to USD 3.69 billion and USD 9.51 billion, respectively.

Crude oil imports in April rose by 25.6 per cent to USD 20.7 billion while gold imports were up by 4.86 per cent to USD 3.09 billion.

Commenting on the data, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said, "I hope India will maintain this export momentum and it should be a good year for us" despite global uncertainties.

"We have opened this year with a bang," he told reporters here adding exporters have achieved resiliency in their businesses.

The secretary also said that the strategy to focus on 20 countries and six commodities is yielding positive results and the commerce ministry will continue to focus on this.

He added that many free trade agreements are going to be concluded soon.

According to the data, the estimated value of services exports for April 2025 was USD 35.31 billion compared to USD 30.18 Billion in April 2024.

The estimated value of services imports for April 2025 was USD 17.54 billion as compared to USD 16.76 billion in April 2024.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur said India's apparel exports grew by 14.43 per cent despite ongoing global economic challenges, currency fluctuations and the uncertainty surrounding US reciprocal tariff policy. PTI RR RR MR MR

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Exports up 9 pc to $38.49 bn in Apr; trade deficit widens to 5-month high of $26.42 bn

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