Exports may grow by 10% in FY14 as US mkt improving: Com Secy

India's exports are likely to register a growth of at least 10% in the current financial year on account of improving demand situation in major developed markets like the US.

"We are hoping for at least 10% (export) growth...US has already started improving. PMEAC in its report has clearly stated that US has started growing. So, that is good news. We also believe that Europe has also stabilised," Commerce Secretary S R Rao told PTI.

The US and Europe are the major export destinations for Indian exporters and they contribute over 30% in the country's total shipments. Due to the demand slowdown in these markets, India's exports started showing negative growth for eight consecutive months during May-December 2012 period.

India's exports in 2012-13 fiscal fell for the first time in three years reporting a dip of 1.8% to $300.6 billion in 2012-13, taking the country's trade deficit to a record high level of $191 billion.

WTO has stated that the world trade in 2012 has expanded only by 2%, which is less than half of the past 20 years average, Rao said.

"In the current year, WTO forecast is pegged at 3.3%. So, any expansion of world trade should also give us competitive advantage in boosting our exports," he added.

The Commerce secretary also said the recently announced incentive package would help in increasing shipments from the country.

Expressing concern over widening trade deficit, Rao said "we have no option but to export". The government has set an export target of $325 billion for the current financial year as against the target of $360 billion in 2012-13 due to the global economic uncertainties.