The fall in India's merchandise exports over a year and a half has at last been arrested as the May data shows, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.
"The fall in exports has now been arrested.
Last month's data indicates a fall of 0. 7 per cent, " Sitharaman told reporters here.
"The bottoming out (of the fall) has happened.
From now, it will be a slow recovery and a steady pick - up, " she said.
India's merchandise exports declined for the 18th consecutive month in May at $22. 17 billion, down 0. 79 per cent in dollar terms, against $22. 35 billion in the like month of last year, official data showed on Wednesday.
The country's merchandise exports in April this year were valued at $20. 57 billion - - down 6. 74 per cent in dollar terms against $22. 05 billion in April 2015.
"Many labour intensive sectors have been holding out and are now picking up, " Sitharaman said.
"The process of export recovery requires to be aided, through interest subvention and other incentives, " the minister added.
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