India's exports rose by 33.2% to $192.7 billion in the first eight months of 2011-12 while imports during the same period increased to $309.5 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $116.8 billion, commerce secretary Rahul Khullar said on Friday.
Exports in November stand at $22.3 billion and imports at $35.9 billion, creating a trade deficit of $13.6 billion.
Talking to reporters here, Khullar said India's exports have registered healthy growth so far this year despite a turmoil in the global economy.
"Growth in exports is still good," he said.
Petroleum and oil products and engineering goods have led the exports' growth.
During April-November, exports of petroleum and oil products surged by 62.3% to $39.5 billion and that of engineering goods jumped by 22.3% to $40.7 billion.
Other sectors that have done well include cotton fabrics madeups, 13.7% up at $4.4 billion; electronics, 17% up at $5.83 billion; readymade garments, 28% up at $8.4 billion.
Exports of basic chemicals grew by 34% at $6.7 billion, drugs, 21%, at $7.9 billion and gems and jewellery, 56.5% increase at $30.1 billion.
Petroleum, oil and lubricants, precious metals, engineering and electronics products were the major drivers of India's imports bill during the first eight months of the current fiscal.
{{/usCountry}}Petroleum, oil and lubricants, precious metals, engineering and electronics products were the major drivers of India's imports bill during the first eight months of the current fiscal.
{{/usCountry}}Imports of petroleum, oil and lubricants rose by 42.7% at $94.1 billion during April-November period.
Imports of gold and silver increased by 56% at $41.4 billion; machinery, 27% at $22.8 billion, electronics, 21% up at $22.3 billion. vegetable oil, 55% up at $6.7 billion; Iron and steel, 8% higher at $7.7 billion; fertiliser, 17% up at $6.6 billion; coal, 61% higher at $11.3 billion; organic and inorganic chemicals, 23% higher at $12.5 billion; ores and scraps 41% higher at $8.7 billion,