India's Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) has expressed its concerns about the stoppage of
galvanized steel exports from Kolkata port due to the export duty of 20 percent, adding that a large number of shipments of major primary steel producers are being held up at Kolkata port. The EEPC also pointed out that the export duty is only applied at Kolkata port.
This halt in exports will hamper the slowing of the decrease in engineering exports which was down by 8.33 percent during April-October 2012, according to the EEPC. The iron and steel segment accounts for nearly 14 percent of the total engineering exports from the country and
galvanized steel is a major component of
India's iron and steel exports, the EEPC stated.
In its press release, the EEPC requested Indian national authorities to provide clarifications regarding the export duty and why it is only applicable at Kolkata port.