"Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in August 2019 were $19.60 billion, as compared to $20.76 billion in August 2018, exhibiting a negative growth of 5.61 per cent," the ministry said in a statement.
On the other hand, imports declined by 13.45 per cent to $39.58 billion in August from $45.73 billion reported for the corresponding month of 2018.
"Oil imports in August 2019 were $10.88 billion, which was 8.90 per cent lower in dollar terms, compared to $11.94 billion in August 2018," the ministry said.
"Non-oil imports in August 2019 were estimated at $28.71 billion, which was 15.05 per cent lower in dollar terms, compared to $33.79 billion in August 2018," it added.
According to the ministry data, non-oil and non-gold imports declined by 9.33 per cent to $27.34 billion in August from $30.15 billion in the corresponding year of the previous year.