(a) whether export of steel has declined during 2001-2002 as compared to the previous year;
(b) if so, the extent to such decline and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Ministry has devised any framework to arrest such a decline and boost export of steel considering the surplus availability of steel in the domestic market; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY)
(a)&(b): No, Sir. The export of finished steel in 2001-2002 is 2.73 million tonnes while the same for the year 2000-2001 was 2.66 million tonnes.
(c)&(d): Ministry has taken several steps to improve the export of steel from India which include:
- Setting up of Steel Exporters` Forum to remove bottlenecks in the steel exports - Exploring/consolidating new/non-traditional markets - Maximizing exports to neighboring countries - Attempting to increase range of export products - wider range of products/ sizes/grades - Contesting trade cases for re-opening major traditional markets for Indian steel exports.