Merchandise trade deficit widens to $23 billion

AMID the cloud of uncertainty over the global trade with Donald Trump training the gun of reciprocal tariff, the goods trade deficit in January widened to $23 billion. Exports fell by 2.4% even as imports rose by 10.3% during the month.

- DIPAK MONDAL @ New Delhi

Merchandise exports in January were $36.43 billion as against $37.32 billion a year ago. Imports of goods during the month were $59.42 billion as against $53.88 billion a year ago. In December 2024, goods trade deficit was $16.6 billion. Services exports rose by 24.3% to $38.55 billion, while imports jumped by 22.8% to $18.22 billion during the month. Total exports during the month rose by 9.72% to $75 billion while imports