Trade deficit narrows to nearly $21 bn in Nov

India’s trade deficit in November narrowed to $20.6 billion as goods exports and imports fell. Goods exports declined due to a shrinkage in key product categories, including engineering goods, petroleum products, and garments. The fall in imports was driven by oil and coal. Despite the global economic slowdown and high inflation, India’s exports numbers are healthy, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. Services exports increased, resulting in a trade surplus and helping narrow the overall trade deficit. However, exports remain weak due to sluggish global demand.