Exports from the country  grew an annual 4.3 percent to $24.6 billion in February, while imports rose 20.7 percent to $39.8 billion,according to government data published Monday.

Exports during February, 2012 were valued at US$ 24.6 billion which was 4.28 percent higher than the level of US$ 23.6 in February, 2011.

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-February 2011 -12 was US$ 267.4 billion as against US$ 220.2billion registering a growth of 21.42 percent over the same period last year.

Imports in February were valued at US$ 39.8 billion representing a growth of 20.65 percent over the level of imports valued at US$ 32.9billion  in February, 2011.

Cumulative value of imports for the period April-February, 2011-12 was US$ 434.1 billion as against US$ 335.5 billion registering a growth of 29.41 percent over the same period last year.

Trade deficit widened to $15.2 billion during the month from $14.8 billion in January.

Trade deficit for April-February, 2011-12 was estimated at US$ 166.7 billion which was higher than the deficit of US$ 115.2 billion during April-February, 2010-11.