(a) whether there has been short fall in the export of steel;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the strategy chalked out by SAIL to strengthen its export market;
(d) whether Indian Steel Alliance has urged the Government to promote steel exports to Pakistan;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STEEL (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a) & (b) Exports of steel during April-November,2004 have been 2.4 million tonnes as compared to 2.87 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year, a reduction of 16.3%. The reduction in exports is due to increase in domestic demand and good net realisation through domestic sales.
(c) SAIL has chalked out a strategy to strengthen its presence in neighbouring export markets. Its share of total exports in neighbouring markets (viz. Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar & Srilanka) has increased to 41% during the period April-November 2004, as compared to 31% during the corresponding period of the previous year.
(d) to (f) The Indian Steel Alliance (ISA) has recommended that the Ministry of Steel in consultation with the Commerce Ministry may work out a long term plan for enabling exports to Pakistan.