Exports grow 21 pc at $303.7 bn; trade deficit shoots up

Imports reached USD 488.6 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 184.9 billion, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said here today.

"This is the highest trade deficit and is a serious concern," he said.

Khullar also said gold imports, which contributed in increasing the bill, is expected to decline in the current fiscal (2012-13) due to the duties imposed by the government. PTI RR RK