Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the government will use every possible policy tool, along with the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), to support exporters amid continuing trade disruptions in West Asia.
Assuring that India will meet every international commitment for goods and services, he indicated that dialogue with the Shipping Ministry and shipping companies was underway, with daily meetings being held.
He added that the government was working on measures to support exporters, many of whom are facing higher insurance costs and freight charges due to the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, exporters claim that contingency charges are being levied even on shipments that reached West Asia before the start of the current conflict. Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Ajay Sahai, said that shipping lines are seeking contingency surcharges of up to $4,000 on 40-foot containers carrying perishable goods, while many shipping lines are refusing to release even those consignments that had reached ports before the conflict.
Stating that goods yet to be loaded on ships from India may face higher costs, he noted that Indian exporters are facing challenges due to extra costs in the form of surcharges.
He added that exporters have raised the issue with the Commerce Ministry due to difficulties in absorbing the costs, pointing out that air freight charges from Kolkata to West Asia have risen from ₹175 per kg to ₹425 per kg.
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