India's exports in 2004-05 started on a positive note, reporting a rise of 19.95 per cent in April at $5010.20 million as against $4176.92 million during April, 2003.

In rupee terms, the exports were up by 11.23 per cent to Rs 22,010.37 crore (Rs 220.10 billion) in April, 2004, according to the official trade data released on Tuesday.

The country's imports during the first month of the financial year witnessed an increase of 20.78 per cent at $6747.49 million as against $5586.52 million in April 2003. In rupee terms, the imports increased by 12 per cent.

Oil imports during April 2004 are valued at $2201.40 million which is 51.37 per cent higher than oil imports valued at $1454.33 million in the corresponding period last year.

Non-oil imports during April 2004 are estimated at $4546.09 million which is 10.02 per cent higher than such imports valued at $4132.19 million in April 2003.

The trade deficit for April is estimated at $1737.29 million, which is higher than the deficit of $1409.60 million during April 2003, it said.