India’s exports rose by 43 per cent to $35.65 billion in October, while trade deficit widened to $19.73 billion during the month, official data released on Monday showed. 

Exports had stood at $24.92 billion in October 2020 and $26.23 billion in October 2019. Imports soared by 62.51 per cent to $55.37 billion in the month under review, widening the trade deficit. Imports were recorded at 34.07 billion in October 2020, and they were worth $37.99 billion in October 2019. 

Export sectors which recorded positive growth during October included petroleum, coffee, engineering goods, cotton yarn, fabric, made-ups, gems and jewellery, chemicals, plastic and linoleum and marine products, the data showed. 

Cumulatively exports during April-October 2021 stood at $233.54 billion, which was an increase of 55.13 per cent compared to the same period last year. During the same period, imports rose by 78.16 per cent to $331.39 billion. 

According, to the data, trade deficit in October 2021 was $19.9 billion, and it was $98.71 billion during April-October 2021. Gold imports stood at $5.1 billion in October this year compared to $2.49 billion a year ago, showing an increase of 104.25 per cent.