Exports had stood at USD 25.3 billion in December 2011.
Imports grew however by 6.26 per cent to USD 42.5 billion in December, leaving a trade deficit of USD 17.6 billion.
During the April-December period of 2012-13 fiscal, the country's overseas shipments have shrunk by 5.5 per cent to USD 214.1 billion. Imports during the period have dipped by 0.71 per cent to USD 361.2 billion.
Commerce Secretary S R Rao said that there is an arrest in the fall of exports as "all the sectors including engineering have slightly improved".
During the first nine months of this financial year, the trade deficit stands at USD 147.2 billion.
Oil imports in December increased by 23.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 14.4 billion. Non-oil imports, however, declined by 0.87 per cent to USD 28.11 billion.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app