Exports surge past pre-Covid levels

What is noteworthy is the fact that exports in the first quarter this year have far surpassed even the pre-Covid levels. Exports which stood at $22 billion and $25 billion in June 2020 and June 2019 respectively, rose to $32 billion in June 2021. Similarly, exports in April this year grew 196% compared with April 2020 and by 17% compared with April 2019.

Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal attributed the tremendous exports growth to healthy growth in engineering, rice, oil and marine products as well as related sectors. He said measures including sector-specific interventions, simplification of procedures, and extension of timelines / licences have led to the record export performance. Needless to mention, the most important factor that has led to protecting and accelerating exports is the selective imposition of lockdown restrictions at a state level this year, compared with the nation-wide lockdown announced in 2020.

There was complete stoppage of industrial activity as a response to the national lockdown measures introduced last year. This resulted in a complete halt in manufacturing and production activities. However, this year, the state governments adapted an alternate approach and restrictions were implemented cautiously with a view to ensure continuity in industrial activity. The latent demand from the previous year has also contributed to an increase in exports.

Structural reforms push exports growth

The increasing pace of vaccinations globally is another crucial and comforting factor. The gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic had created a fear factor that had triggered protectionism in 2020. However, the global recovery from the pandemic and availability of vaccines have firmed up confidence and this has resulted in nations across the globe gradually opening up their economies. In line with the growing numbers, the government now aims to reach the target of $400 billion merchandise exports in financial year 2022.

Additionally, structural reforms presently being undertaken by the government can potentially draw more investors and significantly boost trade numbers. These include formulation of the next Foreign Trade Policy as well as simplification of the Special Economic Zones (“SEZ”) ecosystem.

The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (the RoDTEP), which has replaced the Merchandise Exports from India scheme, came into effect from January 1, 2021. It ensures that exporters receive reimbursements on the embedded taxes, duties and levies at the central, state, and local level. RoDTEP has been introduced to increase global competitiveness of Indian exports. The details of the rates in RoDTEP are likely to be announced soon and this could further contribute to increased exports.

Strong exports performance could lead to the revival of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating more jobs and strengthening consumption demand. Along with the recently announced fiscal packages, strong export performance could spur economic growth and make India an attractive destination for foreign investment.

This article was originally published in Policy Circle on 7 July 2021 Written by: Arvind Sharma, Partner. Click here for original article

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