Exports bounce back in October to 17.86%, trade deficit widens to $17.13 bn

However, trade deficit continued to rise, pushed up by widening oil imports

Exports bounced back in October to high double-digit figures after a mild contraction in September, as engineering goods, pharmaceutical and chemical shipments picked up pace. However, this didn't prevent trade deficit from widening, as crude oil bill continued to shoot up.

Outbound trade rose by 17.86 per cent in October to $26.98 billion. In September, exports had declined for the first time this financial year, albeit by a moderate 2.15 per cent. Despite suggesting that this was due to global trade headwinds, the figure had raised eyebrows among policymakers since the fall had come even as the rupee depreciated against