EEPC INDIA :: Info Bulletin

My dear fellow exporters,

The government of India has recently notified a revision of its Foreign trade Policy 2015-20, enforced with immediate effect. The total reward which may be granted to an Importer- Exporter Code (IEC) holder under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) will not exceed Rs. 2 crore. This ceiling applies per IEC. Further, the ceiling pertains to the exports made from 1st September 2020 till 31st December 2020.

Additionally, the said ceiling may be subjected to further downward revision. Its aim is to ensure that the total claim under MEIS for the period from 1st September 2020 till 31st December 2020 does not exceed the prescribed allocation. The Government has prescribed an allocation to the tune of Rs. 5,000 crore for this scheme. Moreover, if any new IEC is obtained on or after 1st September 2020 or any IEC holder who has not made any export with Let Export Order (LEO) date during the period from 1st September 2020 till 31st December 2020 will not be eligible to claim the benefits under the MEIS. MEIS stands withdrawn with effect from 1st January 2021. Thus no benefits under this scheme will be available for exports made after 1st January 2021.

The Government proposed to introduce a new scheme on Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) based on which EEPC India has been asked to submit data in determining the ceiling rates in RODTEP scheme during the revised time format (1st October 2019 to 31st March 2020). Accordingly, EEPC India has been collating the data amongst different engineering sections collected from all the member exporters of the Council. Regular virtual meetings and webinars are taking place to clear out the queries raised by the exporters.

This is for your kind intervention.

Mahesh Desai

Amidst India’s faltering merchandise export growth and prolonged contraction in export credit growth, exporters have at least seen some silver lining as both the domestic government and the monetary regulatory authority RBI have been in consultation to ease priority sector lending norms for exports in order to ensure higher flow of credit towards export sector, according to news source. The Commerce and Industry minister has very recently held a meeting with senior public-sector bankers to push for easier and higher flow of credit disbursalfor exporters at cheaper rates. The government is expected to announce a slew of measures to boost export growth very soon while the RBI is also likely to change credit norms in favour of the exporters.

The measures to reinvigorate export credit has been the demand of the exporters as many MSME exporters have already been forced to go out of business due to excessive financial crunch and many are facing the same threat. To ensure availability of hassle-free credit to small exporters is a priority for the commerce minister.According to the latest RBI data, export credit of scheduled banks shrank as much as 36.1% year-on-year as of June 21, even on a low base of 42.7% contraction a year earlier.

The interest subvention provided to the exporters to the extent of three to five percent on bank credit has to make way for suitable alternative as WTO has raised objection to this kind of schemes on the ground of non-compliance. An alternative mechanism to facilitate export credit is desperately required. EEPC India has already suggested refund of embedded taxes for the exporters.

EEPC India, as a premiere trade and investment promotion body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, wholeheartedly thank the government for its initiative to revive exports from India.

Egypt
(Source : Embassy of India, Cairo)

Potential products of Imports from India

Automobile and auto components (8708 ) - Egypt is strategically located close to many developing countries with open markets for car imports. The Egyptian automotive Market Volume in 2018 reached 19,804 vehicles (15088 are passenger cars, 1586 buses and 3130 trucks) compared to 14,673 vehicles in 2017 (with increase of 35.6 %).

All auto majors like GM, Toyota, BMW, and Hyundai have presence in Egypt. Our exports of automobiles during 2018-19 were USD 136.2 million and auto components were USD 77.5 million in the same period (Total 213.4 Million USD).

Following the implementation of zero tariffs for automobile imports from EU to Egypt early this year, as per provisions of Egyptian – European Partnership Agreement, there were some concerns among local auto component manufacturers on likely adverse impact on them. However, the Egyptian Government has recently come up with customs incentive scheme to protect local manufacturing while at the same time keeping the doors open for imports.

Bajaj has a partnership with Ghabbour of Egypt for CKD assembly of two and three wheelers for Egyptian markets. TVS and Mahindra also have presence in the market.

Project exports in railways, construction, renewable energy, infrastructure etc.(Railway Items: 86) (Electrical Machinery:85) - Egypt has announced various mega projects which have created opportunities for the project exports by the Indian companies. Some of the major projects are: Suez Canal Economic Zone, High Speed Trains and new Metro lines, Housing units’ project, 1.5 million feddan (acre) land reclamation project, Renewable Energy projects and new Administrative Capital.

Switzerland
(Source : Embassy of India, Berne)

In the month of June 2020, the Indian exports to Switzerland (USD 229 million) became more than India’s imports from Switzerland (USD 157). A particular increase has been noticed in the export of HS Code 71 from India to Switzerland. HS Code 71 pertains to Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin. In the month of June 2020, compared to May 2020, there has been a reduction in world’s total exports to Switzerland by -3.2% while there has been an increase of 116% in India’s exports to Switzerland. The Swiss exports to India have come down tremendously; the cumulative exports from January- June 2019 were USD 11 billion which has reduced to USD 3.49 billion for the duration January-June 2020.

Significant trends in trade and investment in June 2020

Trade in Goods - The total export products to Switzerland registered an increase of 116.04%, (USD 229 Million) in June 2020 as compared to May 2020 (106 USD million). India’s increase in exports in June 2020 was particularly seen in the field – Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom[s] only, containing an unfused pyridine ring, whether or not hydrogenated, in the structure, n.e.s. [HS Code 2933.39]; Diamonds, worked, but not mounted or set (excl. industrial diamonds) [HS Code 7102.39]; and Organic derivatives of hydrazine or of hydroxylamine [HS Code 2928.00].

The total import products from Switzerland registered a significant increase of 45.37% in June 2020 (USD 157 Million), as compared to May 2020 (USD 108 million).

India’s registered increase in imports was particularly seen in the field of Wrist-watches, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, with automatic winding (excl. of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal) [HS Code 9102.21]; Immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale, whether or not modified or obtained by means of biotechnological processes [HS Code 3002.15]; and Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought, for non-monetary purposes (excl. gold in powder form) [included in the special trade since 1.1.2012] [HS Code 7108.12].

Analysis - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, trade between India and Switzerland was affected with India’s trade with Switzerland for June 2020, accounted for 0.80% of Switzerland’s total trade.

It is interesting to note that in June 2020, for the first time India’s exports to Switzerland have become more than India’s imports from Switzerland.

Trade in Services - The Service-related data is available on the Swiss side only on quarterly basis. In comparison to the 4th Quarter of 2019, in the 1st Quarter of 2020,the Services exports from India to Switzerland saw increase in Consulting Services (14.1%); followed by Telecommunications, computer and information services (9.6%) and Technical, trade-related, and other business services (6.8). The Services imports from Switzerland saw increase in, Other services [Manufacturing services, maintenance and repair services, construction services, personal services, government services] (2.9%); and Licence fees (1.2%). Overall, the Services trade was in favour of India.

Analysis - Overall the trade in Services is in favor of India. License Fees [IPR related] expectedly is in favour of Switzerland.

Investment - As per DIPP, the FDI from Switzerland to India from April 2000 to March 2020 stood at USD 4842.38 million, making 1.03% of the total FDI Equity inflow. As per Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India, the FDI from Switzerland to India from Jan. – May 2020 stood at USD 0.28 million. As per RBI figures, the total ODI from India to Switzerland during June 2020 was USD 2.84 million compared to USD 0 million in May 2020.

Investments

Von Roll Holding AG to modernise its Bangalore Plant: On 07 July 2020, Swiss industrial company, Von Roll Holding AG, reported that with its investments in its existing plant in Bangalore it is going to modernise the Plant into the most modern production facility for electric wire coils in India. This move makes Von Roll the only company in the electrical insulation market worldwide, which covers the entire value chain from raw material extraction to ready-to-install wire coils.

Gurit to invest CHF 20 million in Indian Wind Energy market: On 24 July 2020, Swiss based composite solutions, technologies and products company Gurit Holding AG, reported the setting up of a core material kitting facility in Gujarat with an investment of CHF 20 million to support the Indian Wind Energy. The facility in Gujarat will go on line early 2021, and Gurit will also establish and set-up a tooling operation for blade moulds and accessories, a core material extrusion operation for PET core material and a second kitting plant in one integrated campus in Tamil Nadu in 2022. Gurit has already presence in Indian subcontinent from its sales office in Pune, which provides strong tooling installation and service field force for India.

Ethiopia

(EEPC Ref. No. DB-2436)

Project	Second Ethiopia Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project Loan No. : IDA-60070 Project ID No. : P156433
DB Ref. No.	WB-P549648-08/20
Issued by	The Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority, Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Development Division (AAWSA-WSIDD) Lideta Kifle Ketema Wereda 04 around Lideta Condominium, on the Left Side of Lideta Menafesha, 1st Floor P.O. Box : 1505 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Attn. : Ms. MestawotAbebe, Head of Procurement Department Tel. : +251 116673920 Fax : +251 116623924 E-mail: kiyake21@gmail.com; aawsaadamu@gmail.com
Bid No.	ET-AAWSA-153558-NC-RFB
For	Procurement of Operation and Maintenance Service for Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs): - Lot 1 : Operation and Maintenance Service for 5 MBR Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs); - Lot 2 : Operation and Maintenance Service for 7 MBR Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs).
Tender cost	Non-refundable fee of ETB 500.00 (Five Hundred Ethiopian Birr). The method of payment will be direct deposit at Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Megenagna Branch, Account No. : 1000024625153, or direct cash payment to counter cashier at the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Division office.
Bid deadline	*15.10.2020*

Kyrgyzstan

(EEPC Ref. No. DB-2438)

Project	Access to Markets Project Loan No. : 2000001757, 2000001756
DB Ref. No.	UN-P549490-08/20
Issued by	Agricultural Projects Implementation Unit The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Melioration of the Kyrgyz Republic, 96a Kievskaia Str., Office 511 720040 Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic Attn. : T. Tuleev, APIU Director Tel. : +996 312 66 56 25 Fax : +996 312 66 15 72 E-mail : office@apiu.kg; a.prieva@apiu.kg; a.mukarapov@apiu.kg
Bid No.	ATMP\SIVPSS\Vehicles\ICB-06\20\Retender
For	Supply of vehicles on the following lots : - Lot 1 : Four-wheel drive passenger car – 4 pieces; - Lot 2 : Refrigerated truck – 1 piece; - Lot 3 : Passenger vehicle – 1 piece.
Tender cost	Non-refundable fee of KGS 2300 or equivalent in US$ 30 by transferring of fee to APIU following account: Bank: Project : "Access to Markets Project" (ATMP) Beneficiary : ATMP Tender Account APIU (USD) “JSC RSK BANK” Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, 38a M. Gvardia str. Account (USD) : 1299004220000678; BIC: 129001 SWIFT: SESVKG22 Account (KGS) : 1299004220000779; BIC: 129001. Corresponding Bank: VTB BANK (PJSC), Moscow Russia SWIFT : VTBRRUMM Account : 30 111 840 9 5555 0000 142 Correspondent account : 36208997 Intermediary Bank of VTB BANK : CitiBank NA, New York, USA SWIFT : CITIUS33 The document will be sent by e-mail (PDF format) or airmail for overseas delivery and surface mail or courier for local delivery.
Bid Security	Not less than : Lot 1 : US$ 1,500 (US Dollar One thousand five hundred only); Lot 2 : US$ 2,800 (US Dollar Two thousand eight hundred only); Lot 3 : US$ 800 (US Dollar Eight hundred only). Or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.
Bid deadline	*09.10.2020*
Source	UN Development Business Website

Kuwait

(EEPC Ref. No. MEED-2931)

Tender No.	PTT/8/2019/2020
Tender for	Elevator O&M
Tender details	Repair, operation and maintenance (O&M) of elevators.
Bid bond	KD 2,000
Cost of tender documents	KD 150
Closing date	*24.09.2020*
Issued by	Central Tenders Committee Communications Ministry P. O. Box 1070 Safat 13011, Kuwait Tel. : (965) 2401200 Fax: (965) 2416574 E-mail: info@ctc.gov.kw Website :www.ctc.gov.kw; www.capt.gov.kw

Kuwait

(EEPC Ref. No. MEED-2933)

Tender No.	MEW/7292/2019
Tender for	Cable malfunction detection equipment
Tender details	Supply of malfunction detection equipment for medium-tension cables and pilot cables loaded on mobile containers.
Bid bond	KD 15,000
Cost of tender documents	KD 1,000
Closing date	*01.12.2020*
Issued by	Central Tenders Committee Electricity & Water Ministry P. O. Box 1070 Safat 13011, Kuwait Tel. : (965) 2401200 Fax: (965) 2416574 E-mail: info@ctc.gov.kw Website :www.ctc.gov.kw; www.capt.gov.kw

Steel Market Current Report

Mandi Gobindgarh
Open Market Rates of Rerollables (August 29, 2020)

(Exclusive of GST) (Trade Terms 1% Cash Discount)

(Rate Rs. per Tonne)

Ingot
Arc/Ind. Furnace
Round quality (21x25)	32,500
Structural quality (28x30)	32,700
Low carbon (12x16)	-
Semi low carbon (18x21)	32,650
5x6 Girder quality (25x30)	-
Runners/Risers	32,300
Bones/Clean	-

Billets & Squares
50x50x63x63x65x65 mm MS	-
75x75x80x80x90x90 mm MS	32,700
100x100 mm MS2	32,800
125x125 mm MS/ Concast	-
100x100 mm Concast-Billets	33,100
100x100 Concast-SAIL DSP	33,100
H.C. Billet SAIL 150x150 mm)	-
H.C. Billet-Tisco 75x75 mm)	-

Blooms
Above 251 mm Bloom (HC)	29,700
Above 251 mm Bloom (MS)	29,700
(DSP) Bloom 160x250 mm	29,700
130/135/140 mm (Tisco) MS	-
150x150 mm Concast (DSP)	32,700
150x150 mm MS (SAIL)	32,800
Bloom Cut into pcs. (MS)	33,800
Bloom Cut into pcs. (Medium)	33,000
Bloom Cut into (Patra Pass)	33,000

Slabs
Durgapur Slabs 14"x3"	-
Durgapur Slabs	-
Bokaro Slab Heavy	-
Tata Concast Slab (Heavy)	-
Skelp Tisco	-

Rails
Untested Rail - 75 lbs.	24,300
Untested Rail - 90 lbs.	24,300
Untested Rail - 105 lbs.	24,200
Rej. Wheel (Small)	24,200
Cut Tyre (Big)	31,100
Cut Tyre (Small)	25,100

Melting Scrap (F.O.R.)
Fresh Scrap (Rolling Mill End)	24,400
Old Scrap (Godown)	20,800
Turning	20,000
Tin Tapper	22,100
Mill Scale	17,100
Sponge Iron	20,300

Pig Iron (F.O.R.)
Foundry Grade	29,400
Steel Grade	22,200
C.I. Turning	15,200
Degi Scrap	22,700
Deg Casting	35,100
Ingot Moulds (Old)	21,700
Ingot Moulds (New)	33,900
Cut Ingot Moulds	20,600

Open Market Rates of Finished Goods (August 29, 2020)
(Inclusive of GST)

(Rate per Qntl.)

M. S. Rounds	4 mm	5 mm	6 mm	8 mm	10 mm	12 mm	16/20 mm	22/25 mm
Mild	4290	4310	4310	4320	4300	4400	4460	4320
Zindi Pass (Drawing)	-	-	-	4310	4380	4380	4480	4480

Above rates of 6 mm rounds are of length up to 14’ Above 18’ = 4350

Heavy Rounds	28 to 53 mm	63 to 100 mm	110 to 125 mm	140 to 150 mm	165 mm	180 mm	200 mm
Mild	4440	4440	4460	4460	4470	4480	4360

M. S. Squares	4 mm	5 mm	6 mm	8 mm	10 mm	12 mm	16/20 mm	22/25 mm
Mild	4510	4510	4480	4540	4540	4540	4480	4470

M. S. Angles	20 mm	25 mm	32 mm	40 mm	50 mm	65 mm	75 mm	100 mm	110 mm	150 mm	200 mm
3 mm	4330	4290	4340	4410	4410	4480	-	-	-	-	-
5 mm	–	4180	4290	4410	4410	4480	4510	4410	-	-	-
6 mm	–	4310	4370	4410	4410	4480	4510	4500	-	-	-
8 mm	-	-	-	4410	4480	4480	4500	4500	-	-	-
10 mm	–	-	-	4410	4480	4480	4500	4560	4500	-	-
12 mm	–	-	-	4410	4480	4160	4480	4490	-	4580	-
16 mm	–	-	-	4410	4480	4490	4480	4560	-	-	-

M. S. Flats	20 mm	25 mm	32 mm	40 mm	50 mm	65 mm	75 mm	100 mm
3 mm	4270	4260	4270	4300	4400	4360	-	-
5 mm	4270	4260	4270	4270	4500	4560	4500	4500
6 mm	4300	4330	4270	4270	4420	4550	4500	4500
8 mm	-	-	4150	4270	4370	4510	4480	4500
10 mm	-	-	4140	4270	4370	4500	4480	4480
12/25 mm	-	-	4140	4270	4370	4500	4480	4480
18/19 Gauge	4100	4180	4350	4270	4370	4480	4480	4480

[Prices at other stockyards may vary] Source : Steel Town (Weekly), August 29, 2020]

H.O. (Cell)	REGISTERED & HEAD OFFICE
Suranjan Gupta Executive Director EEPC INDIA Vandhna (4th Floor) 11 Tolstoy Marg New Delhi 110 001 Tel.: 91-11-23353353, 23711124/25 Fax : 91-11-23310920 E-mail : eepcto@eepcindia.net URL : www.eepcindia.org	Adhip Mitra Addl. Executive Director & Secretary EEPC INDIA Vanijya Bhavan (1st Floor) International Trade Facilitation Centre 1/1 Wood Street, Kolkata 700 016 Tel.: 91-33-22890651/52/53 Fax : 91-33-22890654 E-mail : eepcho@eepcindia.net URL : www.eepcindia.org

Contents

From Chairman’s Pen

OVERSEAS SECTION

Global Business Opportunities

DOMESTIC SECTION

Highlights

Overseas Information

OVERSEAS MARKET INFORMATION

TENDER INFORMATION

Domestic Information

PUBLIC NOTICE

STEEL PRICES

Steel Market Current Report

EEPC INDIA OFFICE BEARERS

REGIONAL CHAIRMEN / CHAIRPERSON

EEPC INDIA OFFICES

REGIONAL OFFICES

SUB-REGIONAL OFFICE

Tender No.	RFP/INT/CSD/2020/19 (IN/CSD/FN/2020/128)
Tender for	Fuselinks
Tender details	Supply of HRC, wedge-type fuselinks.
Bid bond	BD 500
Cost of tender documents	BD 15
Closing date	*14.09.2020*
Issued by	Electricity & Water Authority Directorate of Central Stores P. O. Box 5325 Sitra, Bahrain Tel. : (973) 17995500 Website :www.tenderboard.gov.bh

Tender No.	HS/208
Tender for	Purification plant
Tender details	Construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) of a purification plant in South al-Mutlaa town and carrying out complementary works.
Bid bond	KD 23,000
Cost of tender documents	KD 10,000
Closing date	*01.11.2020*
Issued by	Central Tenders Committee Public Works Ministry P. O. Box 1070 Safat 13011, Kuwait Tel. : (965) 2401200 Fax: (965) 2416574 E-mail: info@ctc.gov.kw Website :www.ctc.gov.kw; www.capt.gov.kw

Tender No.	RFX-2052000072
Tender for	Cable sockets
Tender details	Supply of crimping type, bi-metallic and copper cable sockets.
Bid bond	AED 65,000
Cost of tender documents	AED 630
Closing date	*23.09.2020*
Issued by	Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, P. O. Box 564 Dubai, UAE Tel. : (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 E-mail: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website :www.dewa.gov.ae; https://srm.dewa.gov.ae
Source	MEED.com website