Despite facing internal hurdles and severe competition from host of countries such as China, South Africa, Saudia Arabia and Brazil, the Indian granite exports have grown by 23 per cent in value term during 2013-14. However, it remained more or less similar volume-wise.
According to sources, the Indian industry faced hurdles due to inconsistent and contradictory leasing policies followed by the State governments and also due to absence of export-oriented policies by the Centre that prevented setting up of large number of EOUs for granites, marble, slates and sandstones near the quarries and as well as closer to the shipping ports. Besides, only a few ports in the country had the facilities to handle granite.
During 2013-14, India exported granite blocks worth Rs.12,047 crore against Rs. 9,766 crore in the previous year. Granite and products accounted for the majority of exports revenue, followed by other stones and products, marbles and slate stone. Granite was exported to China and European countries, and finished marbles to Japan.
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“Though there is a growth in the industry, the growth could have been 300 per cent more if the policies were implemented speedily with a positive approach. On behalf of the industry, we are seeking a uniform leasing and renewal policy and allowing marble for re-exports without hassles,” said an industry representative.
Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India, Southern Regional Chairman, R. Veeramani, said that due to the prevailing negative factors, the industry performed at 50 per cent of it capacity and it was time the Centre provided IT exemption on 100 per cent EOUs and float common brand equity fund for promoters of Indian brand in exports.
“This sector is growing by 5-10 per cent annually, though it faces severe shortcomings. We have been asking the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to provide subsidy/incentive to this sector. They have been denying it citing the progress made by us in the recent times,” said a granite exporter.
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