Exports grew by 5.17 percent to USD 25.91 billion in April compared to the same month last year on account of the healthy performance by engineering, chemicals and pharmaceutical segments, according to the commerce ministry data.

Imports too grew by 4.60 percent to USD 39.63 billion in the month on yearly basis, leaving a trade deficit of USD 13.72 billion. Oil imports during the month under review were valued at USD 10.41 billion, 41.5 percent higher than the same month of previous year.

Non-oil imports, however, dipped by 4.3 percent to USD 29.21 billion in April 2018. Engineering, chemicals and pharmaceutical exports recorded a growth of 17.63 percent, 38.48 percent and 13.56 percent respectively during the month.

However, petroleum products, carpet, gems and jewellery and iron ore recorded negative growth. Gold imports too dipped by 33 percent to USD 2.58 billion in April. Exports had dipped by 0.66 percent to USD 29.11 billion in March, even as foreign shipments increased by 9.78 percent for the full 2017-18 fiscal.