A major reason for the steep fall in exports is the anti-dumping charges initiated by developed countries against Indian plastics, trade circles said.

According to statistics released by the Plastics Export Promotion Council (PEPC) there has been a decline of 9.5 per cent during the financial year 1998-99 compared to Rs 2,338.75 crore in the previous year.

India has exported plastic and plastic products worth $514.45 million against the previous year's $620.38 million. Among the various products highest growth rate at 24 per cent has been registered in laminates in percentage terms, whereas in absolute terms it has increased to $31.72 million from last year's $25.63 million, surpassing the target of $28 million.

Highest decline has been registered in exports of floor coverings(including linoleums/ cushion vinyl/ PVC floor coverings). It has decreased by 57.17 per cent to $13.68 million from previous year's $31.94 million. It has performed badly against the target set at $28 million.

Even in rupee terms the exports have made a poor show despite notable depreciation of rupee.

Country-wise exports to Oman and Kuwait witnessed highest increase by 42.94 per cent and 42.62 per cent respectively. In sharp contrast highest decrease in exports has been registered in Russia and Egypt by 72.84 per cent and 61.92 per cent, respectively.

Indian plastic and plastic exports have registered growth only in nine of the 30 countries it exports. Export increased in Germany (6.91 per cent), Hongkong (0.65 per cent), Spain (3.49 per cent), France (4.96 per cent), Tanzania ( 24.81 per cent),Israel (42.15 per cent) and Indonesia (35.88 per cent).

The exports have declined in countries like USA (1.05 per cent per cent), UAE (27.46 per cent), Italy (18.80 per cent), UK (17.36 per cent), Sri Lanka(19.90 per cent), Australia (9 per cent), South Africa (52.28 per cent), China (5.02 per cent), Singapore (60.13 per cent), Kenya (6.27 per cent), Saudi Arabia (8.58 per cent), Belgium (7.48 per cent), Netherlands (1.43 per cent), Taiwan (22.65 per cent), Turkey (12.53 per cent), SUdan (13.53 per cent), Bangladesh (19.08 per cent), Yemen (41.71 per cent) and Brazil (44.18 per cent).

The country has for the first time after three years registered negative growth in exports. It had registered growth rates of 30.85 per cent, 16.13 per cent and 6.59 per cent in the years 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1997-98, respectively.