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The feeble state of domestic businesses during 2014-15 was clearly visible in the traffic movement at country's largest major port, Kandla Port as exports dipped by over 31 per cent during the year, while imports grew by 33 per cent.
As per the annual performance data shared by the port trust, imports at Kandla port increased from 219 lakh tonnes to 292 lakh tonnes, up 73 lakh tonnes. But exports from Kandla port during the year had dipped by 44 lakh tonnes to 96 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 from 140 lakh tonnes in 2013-14.
The data showed that dry cargo imports had sharp jump of 43 per cent at 214 lakh tonnes against 150 lakh tonnes a year ago. Also Fertilizer imports increased by 46 per cent to 38 lakh tonnes against 26 lakh tonnes a year ago.
On the other hand, oil extraction exports from Kandla had declined by 45 per cent in 2014-15 to 18 lakh tonnes against 33 lakh tonnes last year. Apart from decline in dry cargo exports, food grain and salt exports were significantly lower during 2014-15 against 2013-14.
While exports from Vadinar were almost stable at 131 lakh tonnes for the year 2014-15, but imports at Vadinar had reported a surge of 28 lakh tonnes to 404 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 against 376 lakh tonnes a year ago.
Meanwhile, KPT authorities mentioned that despite several challenges affecting the overall businesses, Kandla Port had retained its number one position among major ports for the sixth year in a row and attained 92.5 million tonnes mark in 2014-15, thereby, an increase of 6.3 per cent in cargo throughput, as compared to the last year.
“The Port’s throughput is impressive, considering the fact that the Port utilised 87 per cent of its cargo handling capacity of 106.32 MT. These throughput levels of Kandla Port were accomplished, despite rain/ bad weather conditions affecting routine Port operations, idling of container terminal at the Port, continuing impact of global economic recession and industrial slowdown in the country, " the port release said.
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