Merchandise exports are booming with many predicting it to reach S400 million mark. With domestic demand and investment still subdued along with the limited scope for enhanced government spending, robust exports will provide a much needed fillip to the economy. The major export drivers have been petroleum products, gems and jewellery, engineering and electronic goods. While much of the upswing is due to normalisation of global economic activities, the questions about the sustainability still linger as global trade is increasingly being affected by production and supply disruptions. The need of the hour is to enhance export competitiveness while promoting its deeper integration with global supply chains. M Jeyaram Sholavandan (TN).
