(a) the major items exported/imported to and from the United States of America during last three years and thereafter till date;
(b) whether there is a vast scope to increase the export of Diamond and Gold Jewellery to that country; and
(c) if so, the volume of exports alongwith the steps proposed to be taken to boost their exports during 2005-06?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a): Major items exported to USA from India during the last three years are: precious stone, metal, woven apparel, miscellaneous textile articles, knit apparels, iron and steel, organic chemicals, electrical machinery, textile floor covering, machinery, fish and seafood and pharmaceutical products etc.
Major items imported from USA to India during the last three years are: machinery, electrical machinery, precious stone, organic chemicals, aircraft, spacecraft, mineral fuel, oil, iron and steel, plastics, fertilizers, edible fruit and nuts etc.
(b & c) India is an important source of import of precious stones, metals etc. in the USA with market share of about 13%. Considering this fact, gems and jewellery have been identified as a potential growth sector for our exports to USA. The volume of exports of gems and Jewellery (HS Code 71, Precious Stones, Metals) to USA over the last three years 2002-04 are:
Year 2002 2003 2004The steps being taken to promote our exports in this sector inter alia include continued participation in prominent trade shows/events in USA and utilizing new method of sales like on-line shopping through internet, departmental stores, mail orders and special jewellery outlets.
Value in US $ million 3661.41 3958.74 4516.61
(Source: US Deptt. of Commerce)