Merchandise exports on course to crossing US$ 400 billion: FIEO President

Reacting to the February 2022 Trade Data, FIEO President, Dr A Sakthivel said that the exports of USD 33.81 billion with a growth of 22.36 percent during the month has once again showcased the continuous resilience of India’s exports sector. The enthusiasm with which the Exim community has impressively performed has not only given a boost to the sector, but has also helped the economy’s growth recovery process. With monthly exports crossing the USD 30 billion mark for 11th consecutive time during the fiscal, we are on course to cross the USD 400 billion exports target for the fiscal.
Praising the efforts and hard work of the exporters, Dr Sakthivel thanked the Hon’ble Prime Minister, whose clarion call to exporters further enthused the exporting community for such an outstanding performance. Dr Sakthivel also welcomed the steps taken by the government under the able and dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and also the Union Finance Minister and the Union Commerce & Industry and Textiles Minister for showing confidence and trust on the exporters during these challenging times.
The FIEO President said that the top sectors, which performed impressively during the month were Engineering Goods, Petroleum Products, Gems & Jewellery, Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Electronic Goods, Cotton Yarn/Fabrics/Made-ups, Handloom Products etc., RMG of All Textiles, Plastic & Linoleum and Rice. Out of these, many of them were labour-intensive sectors contributing majorly to the exports basket, which itself is a good sign, further helping job creation in the country. However, imports clocking USD 55.01 billion during the month with a growth of 34.99 percent, is a point of concern and should be analysed, said Dr A Sakthivel.
The FIEO Chief is of the view that though the government has announced a slew of measures to support exports, the need of the hour is to soon announce extension of the interest equalisation scheme and allow transfer of MEIS, increase the validity of scrips to 24 months, extend RoDTEP to EOUs, SEZ and Advance Authorisation and expand usages of RoDTEP and RoSCTL scrips.