New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) The country's merchandise exports rose marginally by 0.61 per cent to USD 36.56 billion in January, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.

Imports increased by 19.2 per cent to USD 71.24 billion in January this year from USD 59.77 billion recorded a year ago.

The trade deficit stood at USD 34.68 billion during the month under review.

Agrawal said that the country's exports "remain northwards" both in goods and services.

This fiscal, exports of goods and services are likely to cross USD 860 billion, he added.

During the April-January period, exports went up 2.22 per cent to USD 366.63 billion. PTI RR HVA

Trade balance worsens as imports outpace exports, prompting elevated trade deficit and revised export projections for the fiscal year. Merchandise exports rose 0.61% to USD 36.56 billion in January while imports grew 19.2% to USD 71.24 billion, producing a January trade deficit of USD 34.68 billion; April-January exports increased 2.22% to USD 366.63 billion. The Commerce Secretary stated exports in goods and services remain on an upward trend and projected combined fiscal year exports of goods and services are likely to exceed USD 860 billion.