New Delhi, February 16 The country's merchandise exports increased marginally by 0.61 per cent to USD 36.56 billion in January, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday.
Imports increased by 19.2 per cent to USD 71.24 billion in January this year, compared to USD 59.77 billion recorded a year ago.
The trade deficit stood at USD 34.68 billion during the month under review.
Agrawal said that the country's exports "remain positive" for both goods and services.
He added that exports of goods and services are likely to exceed USD 860 billion this fiscal year.
During the April-January period, exports increased by 2.22 per cent to USD 366.63 billion.