New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) India's exports rose by 15.5 per cent to USD 40.41 billion in June, even as the trade deficit widened to USD 30.43 billion.

Imports in June went up by about 31 per cent to USD 70.84 billion.

During April-June this fiscal, exports increased 15.92 per cent to USD 129.32 billion, while imports rose 19.89 per cent to USD 216.18 billion.

Gold imports in the first quarter of this fiscal year rose to USD 11.01 billion from USD 7.49 billion in April-June last year.

India's exports to West Asian countries rose 7.29 per cent to USD 5 billion in June, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said in a press briefing on trade data.

Agarwal attributed the increase in the country's inbound shipments to higher imports of crude oil, electronics, machinery, and precious metals. PTI RR HVA

Merchandise trade imbalance widens as export growth continues but faster import expansion increases the trade deficit in June. June merchandise trade data shows export growth alongside a stronger rise in imports, leading to a wider trade deficit. Exports increased by 15.5 per cent to USD 40.41 billion, while imports rose by about 31 per cent to USD 70.84 billion, taking the deficit to USD 30.43 billion. For April-June, exports and imports both increased, with import growth linked to crude oil, electronics, machinery, and precious metals. Gold imports also rose in the first quarter, and exports to West Asian countries recorded moderate growth in June.