New Delhi, March 19 -- The last week saw the release of data on some important macroeconomic parameters, including exports, industrial output growth and inflation. According to the Commerce Ministry, our exports rose 2.44 percent in February while wholesale inflation for the month rose to 2.93 percent. Meanwhile, a Central Statistics Office (CSO) release showed 1.7 percent industrial output growth in January. These figures do not augur well for the economy.
The February exports figure clearly show a nominal growth to $26.67 billion from $26.03 percent in the year-ago month. Tough global conditions, particularly in China and South East Asia, have played a part in this decrease in overseas shipments. Additionally, growing protectionism in th...