Figure watch

India has the dubious distinction of having a negative trade balance that is equivalent to the trade deficits of three regions put together 8212; Middle East, Africa and West Europe. The country8217;s trade deficit increased by US 1.4 billion during April 1998 and February 1999, as compared to the 1997-98 figures. However, during March 1999, exports grew by 10 per cent. And after three months of decline, imports grew by 2 per cent during the same month. Also, during March 1999, the trade deficit at US 0.2 billion turned out to be the lowest deficit in a month during the fiscal year 1998-99. Improvement in growth in exports and contraction of imports from November 1998 resulted in lower deficit in the subsequent months.