India’s merchandise exports grew 6.74% on year to $36.38 billion in September despite a 50% extra tariff on its exports to the US coming into effect in late August. The better-than-expected growth in outward shipments could be attributed to pick-up in some other markets, a weak base (2.8%), and stellar show by some sectors like electronics.

Exports to the US fell to $5.43 billion in September from $6.87 billion in August; that was a sequential decline of 27%.

Many of the export consignments that left Indian shores just before the 50% took effect may have also contributed to exports growth.

Imports during the month also showed a substantial growth of 16.66% to $69.53 billion, taking the trade deficit in September to $32.15 billion, a 13-month high. But imports growth was partly due to a

See Full Page