Goods exports flat in FY25 despite low base

Trade deficit in March at $21.5 bn

- MUKESH JAGOTA

MERCHANDISE EXPORTS GREW by a modest 0.7% to $41.97 billion in March, showing a marginal recovery from the contraction witnessed in the previous four months. Imports of goods rose by 11.3% to $63.15 billion in the month, precipitating a trade deficit of $21.54 billion.

For the whole of 2024-25, the country's goods exports stood at $437.42 billion, a flat growth of 0.08% year-on-year on a low base, while imports rose 6.62% to $720.24 billion. In 2023-24, goods exports had declined by 3.1%.

Inclusive of services, the overall exports crossed $820 billion, recording a growth of 5.5% on year.