Merchandise exports up 41 per cent

New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) India's merchandise exports increased by 41.41 per cent to 10.3 billion dollar in August 2006 from 7.35 billion dollar during the same month last year.

In rupee terms, the exports were Rs 48,310.80 crore, 50.57 per cent higher than the level of Rs 32,085.72 crore (provisional) during August, 2005.

Exports cumulatively during April-August, 2006 were valued at 48 billion dollar, up 34.48 per cent than the level of 35.88 billion dollar during April-August, 2005.

In rupee terms, the exports were Rs 2,20,853.33 crore during April-August, 2006, which is 41.67 per cent higher than the level of Rs 1,55,889.61 crore (provisional) during April-August, 2005, official figures indicated today.

Imports during August, 2006 are valued at 13.86 billion dollar representing an increase of 32.16 per cent over the level of imports valued at 10.49 billion dollar in August, 2005. In rupee terms, the imports were Rs 64,546.27 crore, which is 40.98 per cent higher than the level of Rs 45,783.30 crore (provisional) during August 2005.

Total imports during April-August, 2006 are valued at 68.29 billion dollar, 28.39 per cent higher than the level of 53.19 billion dollar during April-August 2005. In rupee terms, the imports were Rs 31,3472.15 crore, 35.2 per cent above the level of Rs 2,31,865.88 crore (provisional) during April-August 2005.

Oil imports during August 2006 are valued at 5,038.96 million dollar, up 27.25 per cent than oil imports valued at 3,959.93 million dollar in the corresponding period last year. Oil imports during April-August 2006 are valued at 23.57 billion dollar which is 39.48 per cent higher than oil imports valued at 16.90 billion dollar in the corresponding period last year.

Non-oil imports during August 2006 are estimated at 8.830 billion dollar, which is 4.37 per cent higher than the level of such imports valued at 8.460 billion dollar in August 2005.

Non-oil imports during April-August, 2006 are estimated at 44.72 billion, over 8.76 per cent higher than the level of such imports valued at 41.12 billion dollar in April-August 2005.

The trade deficit for April-August, 2006 is estimated at 20.21 billion, more than the deficit of 17.43 billion during April-August, 2005.

UNI PC CS RAI1952