Chairman AEPC Dr. A Sakthivel commenting on the trade data released by commerce secretary for the month of May 2013 stated that, “Garment Sector continues to do well and is on positive trend.
The better compliance practices adopted by factories under DISHA programme and efforts made by AEPC by organizing several fairs overseas have yielded results.
“Big chain stores and international brands have increased their share of sourcing from India. Garment manufacturers are committed to keep persistent improvement in factory capacity and deliver quality products, he added.”
Commerce Secretary informed that exports dip by 1.1 pc to US $ 24.5 bn in May 2013. After growing for four consecutive months, India's exports contracted by 1.1 per cent year-on-year in May to US $ 24.5 billion. Exports in May 2012 stood at USD 24.77 billion. India’s imports grew by 6.99 per cent to USD 44.65 billion, leaving a high trade deficit of USD 20.1 billion.
However, exports during April-May 2013 grew by 0.21 per cent to USD 48.67 billion. Imports during this period were up by 8.88 per cent to USD 86.6 billion, Commerce Secretary said.