Exports grow 21 pc at $303.7 bn; trade deficit shoots up

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: Country’s exports grew by 21 per cent to USD 303.7 billion in 2011-12 over the previous fiscal, while imports shot up by 32.1 per cent.
Imports reached USD 488.6 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 184.9 billion, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said here today.
“This is the highest trade deficit and is a serious concern,” he said.
Khullar also said gold imports, which contributed in increasing the bill, is expected to decline in the current fiscal (2012-13) due to the duties imposed by the government. (PTI)