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Trade deficit in Oct 23 is jarring-other macro factors pleasing!

 India's trade deficit widened to a record high of $31.46 billion in October 2023, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This was significantly higher than the $19.37 billion deficit in September 2023 and the $20.50 billion that economists had forecast.

(all the above figs in US $ Billions)

The widening trade deficit was mainly due to a sharp increase in imports, which grew by 26.2% year-on-year to $54.54 billion. This was driven by higher imports of crude oil, gold, and electronic goods. Exports, on the other hand, grew by a more modest 5.4% to $23.08 billion.

(Imports Figs above are in US $ Billions)

(the above Exports Figs in US $ Billions)

The widening trade deficit is a concern for the Indian economy as it puts pressure on the rupee and could lead to higher inflation. The government has announced a number of measures to boost exports, but in view of dampening Global Trade volumes which are exacerbated by wars in Europe and Middle East theaters , the exports may lag behind severely in the coming months of FY 24.The situation looks bleak with trade volumes falling till the end of first half of 2024.

Here are some of the reasons for India's widening trade deficit:

  • Rising global commodity prices: The prices of many of India's imports, such as crude oil, have been rising in recent months. This has made it more expensive for India to import these goods.
  • Weak global demand: The global economy is expected to slow down in 2023, which could hurt demand for India's exports.
  • Supply chain disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic and the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza have caused disruptions to global supply chains. This has made it more difficult and expensive for India to export goods.

The Indian government is taking a number of steps to address the widening trade deficit. These include:

  • Promoting exports: The government has announced a number of initiatives to promote exports, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
  • Diversifying export markets: The government is also trying to diversify India's export markets, with a focus on emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia.
  • Improving infrastructure: The government is investing in infrastructure to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs.

But the short term outlook for Exports look uncertain and shaky which may have a bearing on Manufacturing and Services GDP, even though the domestic demand conditions are robust.

Inflation is well-behaved, IIPs, Composite PMIs, stable monetary policy despite Election spending liquidity buildup, aggressive Capex spending by both Central and State Govts, well managed Fiscal deficit backed up by robust tax collections(both Direct tax and GST ) etc. are all on even keel indicating good GDP nos.Only Trade deficit is the party spoiler!




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