'16'

    Shri Murasoli Maran, Minister of Commerce & Industry, has complimented the exporting community, attributing the achievement of a near 20 per cent growth in dollar terms to their outstanding performance and enterprise during the year. "I congratulate the exporting community for their outstanding performance and enterprise which, along with the facilitating environment, have enabled us to exceed the target of 18 per cent growth which was set for the year 2000-2001. However, there is no room for complacency. There should be concerted and sustained efforts to maintain, if not accelerate, this high growth rate so as to achieve our vision of attaining at least 1 per cent share of the global trade in the shortest possible time. And the government will continue to extend the fullest support to the exporting community in achieving this vision".

    Exports during March 2001 are valued at US $ 4277.32 million which is 10.82 per cent higher than the level of US $ 3859.80 million in March 2000. The value of exports in March 2001, is the highest achieved in any month in 2000-01. In rupee terms the exports were Rs.19941.07 crore during March 2001 which is 18.53 per cent higher than the value of exports during March 2000.

    The quick estimates given by the DGCI&S show that the main sectors that have performed well in 2000-01 are marine products, leather & leather products, basic chemicals, engineering goods, electronic goods, man-made yarn fabrics & made ups and readymade garments.

    India's imports during April-March 2000-01 are valued at US $ 49843.00 million representing a growth of 0.27 per cent over the level of imports valued at US $ 49709.83 million in April-March 1999-2000.

    Oil imports during April-March 2000-01 are valued at US $ 15653.29 million which is 62.29 per cent higher than oil imports valued at US $ 9645.42 million in the corresponding period last year. Non-oil imports during April-March 2000-01 are estimated at US $ 34189.71 million which is 14.66 per cent lower than the level of such imports valued at US $ 40064.41 million in April-March 1999-2000.

    Imports during March 2000-01 are valued at US $ 4304.02 million which is 11.65 per cent lower than the level of US $ 4871.45 million in March 1999-2000. In rupee terms the imports decreased by 5.50 per cent.

    The trade deficit for April-March 2000-01 is estimated at US $ 5739.23 million which is lower than the deficit at US $ 12904.48 million during April-March 1999-2000. The good export performance has contributed to the lower trade deficit.