As per AP Moller-Maersk's trade report, the 10% rise included an increase in containerised exports to 8% and imports of 12%.
In a move that will help reduce the widening trade deficit, there was a decline in reefer imports, primarily because of the government imposing a ban on Chinese grown apples and pears since May 2017.
According to Ajit Venkataraman, managing director of APM Terminals (South Asia), the biggest challenge for the trade in India comes from the lack of infrastructure. He said, "The incorrect loading of refrigerated cargo into a reefer container or an error in temperature setting can prove disastrous for the consignment. Having said that, the refrigerated cargo is much more promising as a segment, as there is 20-30% of wastage in perishables, which can be reduced and converted into consumables by maintaining a good and robust cold chain."
Dnaindia.com reports how geographically, north India leads the country's growth story as exports from this region rose 13% while imports grew 23%.
