Capexil said on Tuesday that bulk minerals exports dropped 50.48 per cent to $1,688.44 million in the April-November period this fiscal from $3409.28 million in the corresponding period last financial year.

However, processed minerals exports grew 24.23 per cent to $677.76 ($545.58 million). The total minerals sector exports, including granite, stood at $3,549.57 in the eight months of 2012-13 down from $5,044.82 in 2011-12.

Capexil’s granite panel has 1011 members, processed minerals and bulk minerals 152 and 160 members, respectively.

C.K. Somany, Chairman of Capexil (formerly Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council), told newspersons here that non-mineral sector exports went up to $5,093 million ($4,759 million).

Other products, which saw downward trend in export growth, included graphite, explosives and accessories (-14.5 per cent), ossien and gelatine (-5.45 per cent), paints (-3.48 per cent) and rubber products (0.73 per cent).

Mining policy needed

Capexil Chairman said that mineral sector needs “national mining policy.”

He said: “At present, mining, particularly iron ore, is at a virtual standstill with majority of the mines shut down”.

Plywood, auto tyres, ceramics and animal by products were among growth churners. In all 16 (product) categories in April-November period exports stood at $8642.18 million ($9,803.78 million).

Capexil said “Indian exports are likely to remain sluggish in 2013 like in 2012”.

The Committee of Administration of Capexil met on Tuesday to deliberate on crucial issues affecting exports.

Anxious at the declining trend, the committee sought to chart out a road map for arresting the trend and take it back on a recovery path.

>jayanta.mallick@thehindu.co.in

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