India's International Trade Profile
Question
With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1.
India's merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
- 2.
India's imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
- 3.
India's exports of services are more than its imports of services.
- 4.
India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Options
1 and 2 only
2 and 4 only
3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
India historically runs a structural merchandise trade deficit, meaning its merchandise imports exceed exports (Statement 1 is correct). However, India runs a consistent surplus in the services trade (Statement 3 is correct). Despite the services surplus, the massive merchandise deficit usually pulls the overall current account into a deficit (Statement 4 is correct). Imports of bulk capital goods like chemicals, machinery, and fertilizers generally show an increasing or fluctuating trend driven by domestic demand, not a structural decrease (Statement 2 is incorrect). > One-line conceptual takeaway: India's Balance of Payments is characterized by a strong services surplus that partially offsets a massive merchandise trade deficit. Answer: (d).
Question details
Year
2020
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q52
Subject
Economy
Sub-topic
External Sector & Trade
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Current-affairs-linked
Source hint
Economic Survey 2019-20 / Balance of Payments
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