Imports too rose by 10.4 per cent to $37.8 billion during the last month, leaving a trade deficit of $12 billion.

Continuing the positive growth path, India's exports grew by 4.5 per cent in February to $25.8 billion, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said on Thursday.

Imports too rose by 10.4 per cent to $37.8 billion during the last month, leaving a trade deficit of $12 billion.

The country's merchandise exports are showing continuous positive growth, Teaotia told reporters in New Delhi.

During April-February period of the current fiscal, exports recorded a growth of 11 per cent to $273.7 billion, while imports grew by 21 per cent to $416.87 billion.

Oil imports in February rose by 32 per cent.

Export sectors, which are recording healthy growth so far includes chemicals, engineering goods and petroleum products.

Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters