State characteristics of India’s international trade
Answers
Foreign trade plays an important role in the economic development of country. It is said, “Foreign trade is not simply a device for achieving productive efficiency but is an engine of economic growth.”
Many reasons certify this statement.
(i) Nation can optimally use its resources.
(ii) Technical know-how can be imported.
(iii) Surplus production can be exported.
(iv) Machinery and raw materials can be imported as and when needed.
(v) Food grains and necessary help can be imported during natural calamities like earthquake, & flood etc.
Keeping in mind all these reasons Planning Commission of India has emphasized the development of foreign trade in plans.
Salient Features of Foreign Trade:
The following are the features of foreign trade:
(i) Change in the composition of exports:
After independence many changes took place in export trade. India exported tea, jute, cloth, iron, spices and leather before independence. Now chemicals, readymade garments, gems, jewellery, electronic goods, processed foods, machines. Computer software etc. are exported along with tea, jute and cotton textiles.
(ii) Change in the composition of imports:
India imported consumer goods, medicines, textiles, motor vehicles and electrical goods before independence. After independence, imports are fertilizers, petroleum, steel, machines, industrial raw materials, edible oils and unfinished diamonds.
Answer:
export and import are the components of trade