Exports likely to remain below $300 bn in FY16: FIEO

India's exports in the current fiscal will fall further and are unlikely to touch even the USD 300-billion mark on account of decline in the container volumes at ports and poor order book position, according to exporters' body FIEO.
The country's exports in 2014-15 fiscal stood at USD 310.5 billion. India had set a target of USD 340 billion for 2014-15.
Exporters also said ease of doing business has not percolated to the ground level, although it can be seen at higher levels.
"It does not look like we will be able to touch even USD 300 billion," Federation of Indian Export Organisations Director General Ajay Sahai said.

FIEO President S C Ralhan said the body has sought appointment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will apprise him of the problems being faced by exporters.
"Normally the average exporter used to have orders for three to four months depending on the product. But now it is hardly one month. It is adding to the constraints of the exporters," he added.

Sahai said the volumes of container traffic at some ports are down by a staggering 26 per cent for April 1-15 compared to the same period in the previous month and if this trend continues for 6 to 8 months, it may lead to job losses.

"What is worrying for us now is the volume which is going down. For a few ports the volumes are down by 26 per cent, so overall a double digit decline is expected in volume. The decline in volume means value-wise export may suffer more decline.
"Job losses may take 6 to 8 months lead time. They may manage for 6-8 months, thereafter if the trend continues job losses will be there," he added.
Indian exports, at USD 310.5 billion for 2014-15, missed the annual target by 11.52 per cent as March shipments saw a steep fall of 21.06 per cent. Compared to the previous fiscal, exports in 2014-15 are also down marginally by 1.23 per cent.

"Ease of doing business at micro level is still to come. It may take atleast another one or two years. We can see it at the higher level, people have started listening and taking our issues seriously, but the implementation is not upto the level which our Prime Minister is expecting," Ralhan said.
The currency problem with respect to Euro will impact not only India but also the rest of the countries. The way euro has depreciated against most of the currencies, European manufacturers have become more competitive. Definitely every country will lose some market share, he added.
To boost outbound shipments, exporters demanded a slew of incentives such as re-introduction of interest subvention scheme, quick refunds, changes in classification of markets, tax benefits to encourage investment in manufacturing and 100 per cent reimbursement of stall charges to exporters for participation in exhibitions, among others.