India's strong export growth continues with 20% rise in April

Key highlights:

• Exports grew for the eighth straight month
• India's exports grew by 19.77%
• Imports also increased significantly during April

India's exports revival continued for the eighth straight month, recording 19.77% growth during April 2017, official data showed on Monday.

According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, exports grew by 19.77% to $24.63 billion from $20.56 billion worth of merchandise shipped out during April 2016.

"In continuation with the double-digit growth exhibited by exports during March 2017, exports during April 2017 have shown growth of 19.77% in dollar terms valued at $24,635.09 million as compared to $20,568.85 million during April 2016," the ministry said in a statement.

"Non-petroleum and non- gems and jewellery exports in April 2017 were valued at $17,718.87 million against $15,136.41 million in April 2016 -- an increase of 17.06%."

However, the country's imports during the month under review increased by 49.07% to $37.88 billion.