Trade deficit up to $ 8.18 bn

NEW DELHI, Apr 1: Sluggish export growth compounded with rising imports has pushed the trade deficit to $ 8.18 billion for April-February 98-99, up from $ 5.56 billion for the eleven month period in 1997-98.

According to the trade data issued by the ministry of commerce exports in February ’99 were up by 4.36 per cent compared to February ’98. Exports in February ’99 were valued at $ 2.81 billion against $ 2.70 billion in February ’98. Imports however registered a 10.31 per cent decline during February ’99 compared to last year.