India's exports up 49.8% to $23.6 bn in February

India's exports went up 49.8 per cent year-on-year to $23.6 billion in February on the back of increased demand from markets like North America, Asia and Africa.

During April 2010-February 2011, the country's merchandise shipments grew 31.4 per cent to $208.2 billion, surpassing the export target of $200 billion for the entire financial year.

"We have crossed the $200 billion mark...The current forecast for the year is $230-235 billion," Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar told reporters in the national capital.

Imports also went up in February, rising by 21.2 per cent to $31.7 billion, leaving a trade gap of $8.1 billion, Khullar said.

During April-February, 2011, imports grew 18 per cent to $305.3 billion. During the 11-month period, the trade deficit amounted at $97.1 billion.

"We will end up (the financial year) closer to $350 billion imports," Khullar added.

The export sectors that performed well during the April-February period include gems and jewellery, engineering, ready-made garments, cotton yarn, electronics, plastics, carpets and pharmaceuticals.

The sectors which saw the maximum imports were petroleum and oil lubricants, gems and silver, vegetable oil, machinery and chemicals.