Fieo

Gujarat remains top exporting state in FY25 with ₹9.83 trn exports: FIEO

Gujarat retained its position as India's top exporting state in 2024-25, with outbound shipments worth Rs 9.83 lakh crore, accounting for 26.6 per cent of the country's total exports, FIEO said on Tuesday. It said despite a marginal dip from the previous year, Gujarat's exports remained significantly ahead of all other states, nearly Rs 4.3 lakh crore more than Maharashtra (Rs 5,57,271 crore), the second-ranked state. Maharashtra is followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, according to the analysis of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). "In 2024-25, Gujarat reaffirmed its leadership as India's top exporting state, accounting for Rs 9.83 lakh crore, which is 26.6 per cent of the country's total exports," it said. It added that Gujarat's export dominance continues to be driven by a few high-performing districts, with Jamnagar maintaining a commanding lead at Rs 3.63 lakh crore, largely owing to its petroleum and refinery ...

Govt restores Rodtep export benefits for SEZs, EOUs starting June 1

Move reverses February decision and offers relief to exporters in SEZs and EOUs; FIEO calls it critical support amid global uncertainties and competitiveness issues

FIEO urges RBI to share info on banks offering rupee trade to aid exporters

Apex exporters' body FIEO has urged the RBI to publicly share information on banks offering the rupee trade settlement system (SRVA) as lack of awareness is limiting its use. The system simplifies trade and saves foreign exchange, but many exporters do not know where to access it, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan told PTI. In 2023, the Reserve Bank permitted banks operating in the country to open Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) of partner banks from specified countries as part of efforts to promote bilateral trade in local currencies. This enables exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies enabling the development of a bilateral foreign exchange market. This system makes it easier to trade with some countries in rupees instead of dollars or euros, "but many exporters don't even know which banks offer this service, because that information isn't easily available. The RBI should make this public. Bette

FIEO seeks 5% interest subvention as high US tariffs delay export payments

Seeking resumption of interest subsidy scheme, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Tuesday said the additional 26 per cent US tariffs from April 9 will significantly raise American importers' customs duty bills, delaying payments to Indian exporters. The organisation urged the government to immediately announce a 5 per cent interest subvention to ease the looming liquidity crunch. "From April 9, the US importers will have to pay 26 per cent duty upfront. Earlier it was zero-4 per cent. The high tariffs will put an additional burden on them, and for that, they would have to seek credit and delay our payments. The tariffs are going to impact the payment cycle for us. We request the government to immediately announce an interest subvention scheme for all the exporters," FIEO President SC Ralhan told PTI. In India, the repo rate stands at about 6.25 per cent, with exporters bearing interest rates ranging between 8 to 12 per cent or even more, depending on the spread

SC Ralhan takes charge as new president of FIEO, replaces Ashwani Kumar

Exporters' body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) on Tuesday said SC Ralhan has assumed the role of the new president of the body. He has replaced Jalandhar-based exporter Ashwani Kumar. FIEO also said that Ravikant Kapur has taken charge as the vice-president of the organisation. Ralhan has over 50 years of experience in exports, particularly in the engineering and hand tools industry. He is also the Managing Director of Ludhiana-based Sri Tools Industries. Ralhan emphasized his commitment to tackling the ongoing tariff and trade barriers that have impacted Indian exporters. "He outlined a proactive strategy that includes engaging with global trade bodies and policymakers to negotiate favourable tariff structures and reduce restrictions; promoting export diversification to mitigate risks associated with over-dependence on specific markets, ensuring swift policy interventions to counter unfair trade practices and enhancing global competitiveness by advocating for ..

Weaker rupee seen as boost for exports, but reality is more complex: FIEO

A weaker rupee is often seen as a boost for Indian exports by making goods more competitive globally, but the reality is more complex, the apex exporters' body FIEO said on Friday. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ashwani Kumar also said the recent depreciation of the domestic currency against the US Dollar represents a complex economic scenario with mixed outcomes. "A weaker rupee is not a one-size-fits-all solution to boost exports. A strategic, multi-pronged approach is needed to address the root causes of depreciation while mitigating its adverse effects," he said. Explaining it further, he said, that if the rupee depreciates by 2 per cent and the currencies of key competitors decline by 3-5 per cent, Indian exporters lose competitiveness in global markets. "This relative disadvantage erodes any potential price advantage Indian goods might gain," Kumar added. The domestic currency has depreciated over 4 per cent last year. The rupee closed at 86.22 .

FIEO bets on five sectors to drive exports to US under Donald Trump

The comment by exporters' body comes at a time when Trump threatens to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods

FIEO urges Centre to extend interest subvention scheme for 5 years

Apex exporters body FIEO on Tuesday urged the government to extend the interest subvention scheme for five years to help increase credit flow in the sector in order to boost the country's shipments, which registered a steepest decline in 13-month falling 9.3 per cent in August to USD 34.71 billion. Earlier this month, the government extended the interest equalisation/subvention scheme, which provides interest benefits, on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit for one more month till September 30. "The scheme will end on September 30. We have requested for it to be extended for five years. If there is no interest equalization scheme, then we will lose some markets and some orders," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai told reporters here. The scheme helps exporters from identified sectors and all MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) manufacturer exporters to avail of rupee export credit at competitive rates at a time when the global .

Increasing global uncertainties may impact demand, India's exports: FIEO

The escalating geopolitical tension may have implications for the country's exports in the first quarter of 2024-25 as it is likely to impact global demand, apex exporters body FIEO said. The global uncertainties caused by continuing war between Russia and Ukraine has impacted India's outbound shipments in 2023-24, which recorded a decline of 3.11 per cent to USD 437 billion. Imports too dipped by over 8 per cent to USD 677.24 billion. "If the global situation continues to be like this, it would impact global demand. In the first quarter numbers, the demand slowdown may be visible," FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said. He added that despite all the challenges, freight rates are softening and it is giving an indication that demand may be impacted in the times to come. He cautioned that further escalation of the current situation could have serious implications on the world trade. "Besides geopolitical uncertainties, high inflation and high interest rates are also crucial reasons

India's exports may reach $450 bn this fiscal: FIEO Prez Ashwani Kumar

The country's merchandise exports are expected to reach USD 450 billion by the end of this fiscal despite geo-political challenges like the Red Sea crisis, newly elected president of apex exporters body FIEO Ashwani Kumar said on Tuesday. He said that the need of the hour is to address the Red Sea crisis challenges by ensuring the availability of marine insurance and rational increase in freight charges. The exporting sector, particularly, MSMEs, needs easy and low-cost credit, and marketing support to further boost the country's exports, Kumar said, adding early conclusion of free trade agreements such as with the UK and Oman will also help push the outbound shipments. "I will focus on addressing issues of MSMEs as they are going to play. They will play a key role in achieving the USD 1 trillion goods export target by 2030. They are the backbone of the economy and they are facing certain issues pertaining to credit. I would urge banks to come forward in extending support to these

Exporters body FIEO unanimously elects Ashwani Kumar as new President

Exporters body FIEO on Monday said Ashwani Kumar has been elected as its new President. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said that Kumar was elected as president unanimously. He has replaced A Sakthivel. Kumar, who is a Jalandhar-based engineering exporter, replaced A Sakthivel. Besides serving as the Regional Chairman (Northern Region) of the organisation, Kumar has also represented various forums of Jalandhar including its Focal Point Industries Association, Effluent Treatment Society, Management Association, Badminton Association, and Integrated Association of SMEs. He is taking over the post at a time when global trade is undergoing a sea change.

Interim Budget 2024: Industry seeks tax benefits, boost to exports

Indian industry, including exporters on Thursday, asked the government to provide tax incentives for research and more funds for marketing activities in the Budget to boost manufacturing and the country's outbound shipments. They also urged the government to consider developing a global shipping line in partnership with the private sector. India's outward remittance on transport services is increasing with rising exports. "We remitted over USD 80 billion as transport service charge in 2021. As the country moves towards the goal of USD 1 trillion, this will touch USD 200 billion by 2030," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said, adding that the private sector may be engaged to develop the shipping lines. This will also reduce arm-twisting by foreign shipping lines, particularly of our MSMEs, the organisation said. For promoting Research and Development (R&D) in the country, weighted tax deduction can be increased to 200 per cent, it said. "Unfortunately, India's ...

Commerce ministry proposes new bye-laws for election of EPCs, FIEO

The commerce ministry has proposed revised election bye-laws for all export promotion councils (EPCs) including apex exporters' body FIEO, under which a chairman will hold office for two years and will not be eligible for the immediate next election. The revised model articles of associations/bye-laws for EPCs and Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) are required to be adopted by these bodies and conduct elections of their office-bearers. The model bye-laws have already been circulated to all these councils and organisations for adoption. This was proposed by a three-member panel set up by the ministry in May to review the eligibility criteria for the election to make them more inclusive and representative. It was reviewing the eligibility criteria for the election of office bearers of EPCs and FIEO. The panel reviewed the existing guidelines and made suitable recommendations about representation of different stakeholders in the managing committee and other posts. Afte

Marketing strategy to help tap $112 bn export in 10 nations in 3 yrs: Study

Aggressive marketing strategy including support from the government can help Indian businesses tap USD 112 billion export potential in ten countries like the US and UK in three years, according to a study by FIEO. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said that to tap this potential, a proper strategy is required. It suggested the government to formulate a scheme to support participation of domestic industry in exhibitions, buyers-sellers meet, and roadshows in important cities of these ten countries to showcase Indian goods. Besides, Indian missions in these countries should identify market access issues so that those problems can be resolved to promote shipments of domestic goods in those destinations as non-tariff barriers impact exports. The missions can also help industry organise meetings with leading importers, FIEO said, adding active print and electronic media campaigns can be considered to show the prowess of domestic manufacturing capabilities in these ...

India's share in exports in labour-intensive sectors declining: FIEO

India's labour-intensive export sectors such as apparels, marine products, plastics, and gems and jewellery are showing a "troubling pattern" as the country is experiencing a decline in global market share across these segments during the last five years, a FIEO report has said. Apex exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) also said that a note of caution is warranted regarding a distinct spike in export growth of roughly USD 40 billion as this particular surge is likely attributed to a rerouting of crude oil trade routes via India to Europe. This phenomenon may not be sustainable in the coming years, it said. It added that the most "pressing concern" regarding the negative export growth is the "poor" performance of labour-intensive sectors. In a country like India, these sectors hold immense significance not only for their job creation potential but also for their substantial contribution to net high-value addition. "Addressing this challenge requires a ..

India's exports may rise by 3-5% this fiscal to $435 billion: FIEO

India's exports are expected to grow by 3-5 per cent to USD 435-445 billion in this fiscal, exporters' body FIEO said on Friday. In 2021-22, the country's exports touched an all-time high of USD 422 billion. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President A Sakthivel said that the coming months are going to be little challenging unless both global economic growth and geopolitical situation improve drastically. "However, we will be on course to cross the previous year's goods export target quite easily touching almost USD 435-445 billion with a growth of over 3-5 per cent this fiscal," he said in a statement. Contracting for the second month in a row, India's exports dipped by 6.58 per cent to USD 32.91 billion in January due to a slowdown in global demand. Cumulatively, the country's merchandise exports during April-January 2022-23 rose 8.51 per cent to USD 369.25 billion. Sakthivel said that FIEO in its continuous endeavour to handhold and mentor the exporting communi

Economic Survey highlights India's diversifying merchandise trade: FIEO

Increasing exports to markets such as Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia are boosting the growth of the country's outbound shipments, FIEO said on Tuesday. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President A Sakthivel said the Economic Survey has rightly highlighted India's growing and diversifying merchandise trade. "The new diversified markets, including those of Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia, have led to the increase in exports by up to 2 times," he said. The ongoing trade negotiations with the UK, EU, Canada, and Israel will also add further impetus to our exports, he added. "Reducing the cost of logistics in the country, which now to the tune of 14-15 per cent, comparable to the global benchmark, will help in making our exports more competitive worldwide," Sakthivel said. Yogesh Gupta, Regional Chairman, FIEO (Eastern Region), said the exporter fraternity is expecting fiscal support and affordable credit, from the upcoming budget. "A need of the hour is t

Exports up 4.8% to $35.45 billion days after initial data showed a dip

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has also painted a grim picture for the outlook of global trade next year amid fears of a recession

India pushes for settlement of international trade in rupee with Sudan

In July, the RBI had unveiled a mechanism to settle international transactions in rupee to promote the growth of global trade, with emphasis on exports from India

Foreign trade policy extended by six months amid global headwinds

An FTP is an elaborate policy guideline and a strategy to promote export of goods and services