New Delhi, Nov 16 (KNN) Reacting to a marginal decline in October exports by 1.1 per cent with USD 26.38 billion during the month Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Sharad Kumar Saraf  has said that trade tensions and rising protectionism has led to this fall in exports during the month.

"Sluggishness in the economies across the globe coupled with the trade war between US-China, Brexit and developments in Iran, Turkey, Iraq other gulf countries has continuously unsettled the slowing world economy which has further escalated the problem," he said.

He also added that the downside risks remain and the projections for the near future depends on a return to more normal trade relations among countries.

The downside risks still remain and the projections for the near future depends on a return to more normal trade relations among countries said Saraf. The currency volatility, softening of commodities prices including crude prices have also led to the decrease in exports of petroleum, which is a major constituent of India’s exports.

Only 12 out of the 30 major product groups were in positive territory during October 2019 including electronic goods, drugs & pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewellery, Engineering Goods, Marine Products, Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Iron Ore, Handicrafts Excl. handicrafts carpets, Jute Mfg including Floor Carpet and few plantation sectors which showed some growth.

However, few of the export sectors have started showing some positive trend during the month. All other major sector of exports including some labour-intensive sector of exports were still in negative territory. Further imports of USD 37.39 billion with a growth of -16.31 per cent during the month has once again come as a big respite for the economy.

Saraf further said that domestic issues including uncertainty over MEIS Scheme is a major cause of concern as exporters' claim for over three and half months are pending, which has wiped out their liquidity and kept them in doldrums with regard to finalising new contracts. The problem of risky exporters have also compounded the liquidity problem as their GST and Drawback claims have been held up.

Further WTO complaint scheme of newly launched RoDTEP should be notified with the rates for the products with lead time of three months so that exporters may factor the same in finalising new orders and make transition to new scheme smooth.