India steel import increases after signing of bilateral trade free pact

7-Jan-2019

UNI reported that some industry associations, including those relating to steel, have expressed concerns on imports under bilateral free trade agreements with Japan, Korea and ASEAN. Official sources said that the volume of trade, including both exports and imports with these countries has increased since the signing of the bilateral trade agreements.

Notwithstanding a slight increase in trade deficit, the domestic industry has benefited from the trade agreements due to cheaper import of raw materials and intermediates from these countries for stimulating value added domestic manufacturing.

The sources added that the trade agreements have adequate trade remedial provisions for dealing with certain surges in imports that might threaten domestic industry.

Source: UNI