New Delhi: India’s exports turned positive after 18 months in June, recording a growth of 1.27 per cent, pushed up by increase in shipments of agri commodities, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods.

The merchandise exports totalled USD 22.57 billion as against USD 22.28 billion in the same month last year.

Rising exports and decline in imports also brought down the trade deficit in June to USD 8.11 billion as against USD 10.82 billion in the year-ago month.

Exports have been falling since December 2014 due to weak global demand and slide in oil prices.

As per the data released by Commerce and Industry Ministry, imports in June were at USD 30.68 billion, down 7.33 per cent from USD 33.11 billion in the year-ago month.

Gold too imports drop over 38 per cent in June to USD 1.2 billion.

Apex exporters body FIEO said positive figure has instilled optimism among exporters, though global scenario remains challenging.

“Positive exports by engineering, marine, drugs and pharma, plantation commodities, electronic goods, carpets and handicrafts sectors is very encouraging as these are high employment generating sectors as well,” said FIEO President S C Ralhan.

Industry body CII said the rise is “a much needed boost to the confidence” of Indian exporters.

“All the recent initiatives taken by Department of Commerce to revive exports have finally yielded positive results,” it said.

The government data revealed that imports of petroleum, crude and related products were down 16.42 per cent in June while that of coal, coke and briquettes shrunk by about 13 per cent.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had yesterday said the decline in exports have bottomed out and the outbound shipments are expected to witness gradual improvement in the coming months depending upon pick up in global demand. .