Exports from SEZs may see a downward trend in Q2

After jumping by as much as 68 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal, exports from special economic zones (SEZ) may see a downturn in the second quarter, said HAC Prasad, senior economic adviser, Department of Economic Affairs.

“Total exports (of India) are slowing down for about two months and this could also be reflected in SEZ exports.”

Exports from SEZs rose 68 per cent to R58,757 crore in the first quarter ended June, as against R35,013 crore in the same period last year.

“India’s exports grew by 121 per cent when the world was going through a slowdown (2009-10). However, the situation is improving in the US and Europe, so lets hope that even SEZ (exports) will gain.”

Around R1,66,527 crore has been invested in SEZs till date. and 5.5 lakh jobs have been created, Prasad said.

Of the total 358 notified SEZs, 114 have started exporting. “And of the 114 units, 69 are from IT and ITES,” he said.

On some SEZs unable to comply with the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) deadline, Prasad said, “The deadline is set so that the things will be quicker. We do not want the SEZs to just lie like that.”