Share of export in GDP dips marginally to 17.3% in 2012-13

The share of export sector in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) has dipped marginally to 17.3% in 2012-13 due to the global economic crisis and demand slowdown, Parliament was informed today.

"The share of export sector in the GDP of the country has shown a consistent rise except for 2012-13, when there was a marginal dip in the share from 17.6% to 17.3%," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

He informed that in 2010-11, the share of exports in the country's economy was 15.7% which increased to 17.6% in 2011-12.

"This is (marginal dip in share) is attributable to international economic crisis and contraction in global demand," he said.

He said that although the merchandise trade has increased, India's trade deficit has also increased.

"The global economic crisis, the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the economic slowdown in developed economies have adversely impacted demand for our exports," he said, adding, exports of engineering goods, gems and jewellery, textiles, electronic goods and iron ore have been affected in 2012-13.

In a separate reply, Minister of for Commerce and Industry EM Sudarsana Natchiappan said that as many as 998 patents have been given by the government in the pharmaceuticals sector between April 2010 and July 2013.

During April-July 2013, 50 patents have been given in the sector.

He informed that in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, a total of 398, 239 and 311 patents have been provided in pharma sector, respectively.