AHMEDABAD: Exports of chemicals from grew by 46% in April-May 2021 to $3.4 billion (about Rs 25,160 crore) in April-May 2021, against $2.3 billion (17,020 crore) in the same period last year, shows data compiled by Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council (Chemexcil). One of the top chemicals manufacturing states, Gujarat accounts for about 60% of chemical exports from India.
The growth is largely attributable to the lower base of exports in April-May 2020 because of the outbreak of Covid-19 and the lockdown imposed. “The growth in chemical exports in April and May is because exports were low during the corresponding period last year,” said Bhupendra Patel, chairman, Gujarat region, Chemexcil.
Dyes, dyes intermediates, organic and inorganic chemicals, agrochemicals are among the major chemical products exported from the country.
The exports of dyes and intermediates in April and May rose by 34% to $258 million (Rs 1,911 crore) on year-on-year basis from $193 million (Rs 1,428 crore) in the same months last year, according to Chemexcil data. Gujarat has the lion’s share, 70% to 75%, of India’s total exports of dyes and dye intermediates.
However, there was a downward trend in chemical exports from India compared to March this year. Chemical exports fell by 6% to $1.7 billion (Rs 12,580) from $1.8 billion (Rs 13,320 crore) in March 2021.
“Exports were down sequentially because of the second wave of the pandemic as well as Covid-19-induced restrictions in export markets such as Bangladesh, Turkey, Indonesia and African and European countries,” said an industry player.
