2. International trade is exchange of capital, goods,
and services across international borders or
territories. In most countries, it represents a
significant share of gross domestic product
(GDP). While international trade has been present
throughout much of history (see Silk Road,
Amber Road), its economic, social, and political
importance has been on the rise in recent
centuries.
3. Importance of InternationalTrade
Without international trade, nations would be limited to the
goods and services produced within their own borders.
International trade is the backbone of our modern,
commercial world, as producers in various nations try to profit
from an expanded market, rather than be limited to selling
within their own borders. There are many reasons that trade
across national borders occurs, including lower production
costs in one region versus another, specialized industries, lack
or surplus of natural resources and consumer tastes.
4. Risks in international trade
Buyer insolvency (purchaser cannot pay);
Non-acceptance (buyer rejects goods as different from the
agreed upon specifications);
Credit risk (allowing the buyer to take possession of goods
prior to payment);
Regulatory risk (e.g., a change in rules that prevents the
transaction);
Intervention (governmental action to prevent a transaction
being completed);
Political risk (change in leadership interfering with
transactions or prices); and
War and other uncontrollable events.
In addition, international trade also faces the risk of
unfavorable exchange rate movements
5. Trade and commerce have been the
backbone of the Indian economy right from
ancient times. Textiles and spices were the
first products to be exported by India. The
Indian trade scenario evolved gradually after
the country’s independence in 1947. From the
1950s to the late 1980s, the country followed
socialist policies, resulting in protectionism
and heavy regulations on foreign companies
conducting trade with India.
6.
7. India’s major imports comprise of crude oil machinery, military
products, fertilizers, chemicals, gems, antiques and artworks.
Imported goods are divided into the following categories:
Freely importable items: For these items, no import license is
required. They can be freely imported by an individual or a firm.
Canalized items: These items can only be imported by public
sector firms. For example petroleum products fall under this
category.
Prohibited items: Items such as unprocessed ivory, animal
rennet and tallow fat cannot be exported to India.
9. Indian exports comprise mainly of engineering and textile
products, precious stones, petroleum products, jewelry, sugar,
steel chemicals, zinc and leather products. Most of the exported
goods are exempt from export duties.
India also exports services to several countries, primarily to the
US. In fact, India is among the world’s largest exporters of
services related to information and communication technology
(ICT). It is also the key destination for business process
outsourcing (BPO).
11. EXIM BANK
Set up by an act of parliament in
September 1981
Wholly owned by Government of India
Commenced operations in march, 1982
Established “for providing financial assistance
to exporters and importers, and for functioning
as the principal financial institution for
coordinating the working of institutions
engaged in financing export and import of goods
and services with a view to promoting the
country’s international trade…”
12. Where Does India Stand Globally?
International Trade of Select Countries in 2003
Country Exports Imports GDP Trade as % of GDP
(US$ bn.) (US$ bn.) (US$ bn.)
Korea 197.6 175.5 605.0 61.7
China 438.3 393.6 1446.9 57.5
Mexico 165.4 171.0 626.1 53.7
Russia 135.9 75.4 433.5 48.7
South Africa 38.7 35.0 160.1 46.0
Argentina 29.4 13.1 129.7 32.8
Brazil 73.1 48.3 492.1 24.7
India 57.0 74.3 588.8 22.3
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit
India’s share in global merchandise exports: 0.8% (2003)
