Exports up 30 per cent in May

New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) Merchandise exports went up by a record 29.59 per cent at 9358.06 million dollar in May 2006 against 7221.36 million dollar in the same month last year, well surpassing the growth in imports at 21.67 per cent.

Imports in May amounted to 13193.35 million dollar against 10843.18 million dollar in the same month of 2005-06.

Exports during the first two months of April-May this year were 17704.85 million dollar showing an increase of 28.40 per cent, higher than the level of 13789.35 million in the corresponding period of last year.

Imports in these two months were valued at 25788.75 million dollar, up 22.79 per cent from the level of 21002.82 million in the comparable period of last fiscal.

The trade deficit for April-May 2006 amounted to 8083.90 million dollar against 7213.47 million dollar in April-May 2005.

''The plus growth in India's merchandise exports for the third year in succession reflects the growing global competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector and the conducive framework of the Foreign Trade Policy,'' Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath said here.

UNI PC PV DS1622