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India's Trade Deficit Widens To Highest In Ten Months At $29.65 Billion In August

August exports fell 9.3% year-on-year to $34.7 billion, while imports rose 3.3% to $64.4 billion.

<div class="paragraphs"><p>India's merchandise trade deficit expanded in August as the rise in imports was accompanied by a fall in exports.</p><p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kydroon?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Kurt Cotoaga</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/red-and-blue-crane-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-MP6FMO8khn4?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p></div>
India's merchandise trade deficit expanded in August as the rise in imports was accompanied by a fall in exports.

Photo by Kurt Cotoaga on Unsplash

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India's merchandise trade deficit expanded in August as the rise in imports was accompanied by a fall in exports.

In absolute terms, the trade gap widened to $29.65 billion in August, compared to $23.5 billion in July, according to a press briefing by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.

  • August exports fell 9.3% year-on-year to $34.7 billion.

  • August imports rose 3.3% year-on-year to $64.4 billion.

In the current global situation, exports are a huge challenge, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said, citing concerns of a recession in the US and slower growth in China and Europe. Transportation costs due to Suez Canal diversion have also escalated, he said. However, non-gems and jewellery and non-petroleum exports are growing, providing some comfort, he added.

"Globally, among the dark clouds, India is a bright spot," Barthwal said, adding that the ministry continues to receive requests for FTAs with India.

  • Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in August rose 2.4% to $26.76 billion.

  • Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in August 2024 rose 4.6% to $26.14 billion.

Key Export Items

  • Exports of engineering goods stood at $9.4 billion, 4.4% higher year on year.

  • Petroleum product exports were at $6 billion, 37.6% lower than a year earlier.

  • Gems and jewellery exports were at $2 billion, 23.1% lower on an annual basis.

  • Organic and inorganic chemical exports were at $2.4 billion, 8.3% higher on an annual basis.

  • Drugs and pharmaceutical exports were at $2.3 billion, 4.7% higher from over a year earlier.

  • Electronic exports were at $2.3 billion, 7.9% higher from over a year earlier.

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Key Import Items

  • Petroleum, crude, and product imports were down 32.4% from a year ago to $11 billion.

  • Imports of electronic goods were at $8.9 billion, 12.8% higher over a year earlier. 

  • Machinery, electrical and non-electrical goods were at $5 billion, up 10.2% over the previous year.  

  • Gold imports stood at $10 billion, 103.7% higher than a year ago.

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