New Delhi, April 20 (KNN) Exports from India declined by 21.1 per cent to USD 23.9 billion in March 2015 as compared to the same month a year ago. However, the exports were higher than preceding two months.
 
Imports to India also declined by 13.4 per cent to USD 35.74 billion in March 2015 on a y-o-y basis. However, the decline in imports was entirely due to a sharp fall in POL imports. While POL imports declined by 52.7 per cent to USD 7.4 billion, non-POL imports increased by 10.6 per cent to USD 28.33 billion.
 
Consequently, India’s merchandise trade deficit increased in March 2015. It rose to USD 11.79 billion from USD 10.95 billion in the same month a year ago.
 
India’s exports declined by 1.2 per cent to USD 310.5 billion during April 2014-March 2015 as compared to the same period last year. Imports decreased by 0.6 per cent to USD 447.6 billion. While POL imports declined by 16.1 per cent to USD 138.3 billion, non-POL imports rose by 8.4 per cent to USD 309.3 billion.
 
The trade deficit touched USD 137 billion during April 2014-March 2015. This was 0.9 per cent higher than the deficit in the same period a year ago. (KNN/DB)