India’s merchandise exports grew by 9.03 per cent year-on-year in April, reaching $38.49 billion, driven by robust performance in key sectors such as electronics and engineering goods. Also, a sharp increase in imports led to the country’s trade deficit widening to $26.42 billion—the highest level since November 2024, when the gap stood at $31.77 billion, according to data released by the commerce ministry on Thursday.Imports during April rose by 19.12 per cent to $64.91 billion, largely due to higher inbound shipments of crude oil and fertilisers. Crude oil imports alone surged by 25.6 per cent, reaching $20.7 billion, while gold imports climbed 4.86 per cent to $3.09 billion.Export growth in April was broad-based, with several sectors registering strong performance. Among them were tobacco, coffee, marine products, tea, rice, spices, ready-made garments of all textiles, petroleum products, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals. Electronics exports jumped by 39.51 per cent to $3.69 billion, while engineering goods exports increased by 11.28 per cent to $9.51 billion.Speaking on the trade performance, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed optimism about India’s export trajectory. “I hope India will maintain this export momentum and it should be a good year for us,” he told reporters as news agency PTI quoted. “We have opened this year with a bang,” Barthwal added, noting that exporters have demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties.He also highlighted that the government’s targeted approach—focusing on 20 countries and six key commodities—is delivering results. The ministry, he said, will continue to build on this strategy. Barthwal further mentioned that several free trade agreements are nearing conclusion, which could further support trade growth.In the services sector, India’s estimated exports for April 2025 stood at $35.31 billion, up from $30.18 billion in April 2024. Meanwhile, services imports were estimated at $17.54 billion compared to $16.76 billion a year earlier.Commenting on the apparel sector’s performance, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur stated that India’s apparel exports rose by 14.43 per cent in April. He noted this growth was achieved despite challenging global conditions, currency volatility, and uncertainty surrounding the US reciprocal tariff policy.