NEW DELHI, March 15 Reuters India39;s merchandise trade deficit in February stood at 18.71 billion, according to a Reuters calculation based on export and import data released by the government on Friday.

Economists had expected the country39;s February trade deficit to be 18.30 billion, according to a Reuters poll.

India39;s merchandise exports in February stood at 41.40 billion, while imports were 60.11 billion, government data showed. In the previous month, merchandise exports were 36.92 billion, while imports stood at 54.41 billion.

In February, services exports were 32.35 billion, while imports were 15.39 billion. In January, services exports were 32.80 billion and imports were 16.05 billion.

Reporting by Sarita Chaganti Singh; Editing by Jacqueline Wong

Source Reuters