India’s exports plunge 27.7 percent in June

MUMBAI, India — India’s merchandise exports fell by more than a quarter in June, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday, marking the nation’s ninth month of steeply declining trade.

Merchandise exports were valued at 612.17 billion rupees ($12.8 billion), down 27.7 percent in dollar terms from 759.3 billion rupees ($17.7 billion) a year earlier, according to government figures.

Imports also plunged, shrinking 29.3 percent in dollar terms to 906.6 billion rupees ($19.0 billion), from 1.1 trillion rupees ($26.8 billion) a year earlier.

The falling cost of oil drove that decline, with oil imports for the month 50.6 percent lower, at $5.0 billion. India imports about three quarters of its oil.

As a result, India’s trade deficit for the months of April through June was $15.5 billion, down from $28.6 billion during the same months last year.

Merchandise exports account for about 15 percent of India’s gross domestic product, far less than China but still a significant driver for Asia’s third-biggest economy.