Trade Data Analysis

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option d

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct : According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, The merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $14 billion, the lowest in 42 months, driven by a 16.34% decline in imports.

Statement 2 is not correct : India’s merchandise exports actually declined by 10.84% in February 2025, not grew.

Statement 3 is correct : Gold imports fell 61% to $2.34 billion, Silver imports dropped sharply to $430 million from $1.7 billion, Crude (petroleum) imports declined 29.5% to $11.9 billion helped lower India’s trade deficit in February 2025.

Statement 4 is not correct : India’s services exports were actually higher in February 2025 ($35.03 billion) compared to February 2024 ($28.33 billion).

Statement 5 is correct: ICRA projects a surplus of $4–6 billion (0.5–0.6% of GDP) due to reduced trade deficits and strong services exports.