While exporters are already struggling on various fronts be it low orders from overseas buyers or lack of working capital, several other unexpected issues are further adding to their worries.
Since past few days, many exporters are struggling due to unavailability of containers. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has raised this issue to higher authorities and has requested for an immediate solution to this problem.
It is also pertinent to mention here that recently the price for containers was increased 1.5 times, which is another burden on the exporters. There are issues regarding Inland haulage charges, terminal handling charges, additional cost incurred by the exporters, delaying shipments at various ports.
Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH says “We have highlighted the unavailability of containers at the high-level meetings with Ministry of Commerce & Industry also.
Ravi K. Passi, Chairman, EPCH, said “High shipping cost by shipping companies results in cost to buyers and decline in exports of handicrafts in this pandemic situation and resulting lacking competitiveness with country like China.”
Exporters are of the view to have uniformity in port charges to boost the handicrafts exports from India.
EPCH also urged the Government to consider establishment of a regulatory authority through enactment of the Parliament to control and monitor the pricing, terms & conditions and other provisions related to the shipment of goods.
The current shipping lines are arbitrarily deciding the pricing and imposing conditions at their whims and fancies.
The EPCH Chairman has requested all the concerned ministries to urgently look into the matter, so that exports from the country can continue without any hindrance to help facilitate timely shipments of the export consignments and thereby promote exports from the country.
