Iron ore exports up 134% in 2004-05

Iron ore exports from the country grew by a whopping 134% in April-March 2004-05 to $2629.52 million as against $1125.81 million in the year before fiscal.

While iron ore saw stupendous growth in exports, finished iron and steel exports rose by 46.55% to $3631.2 million from $2477.78 million in 2003-04.

As against this imports of the commodity in finished form saw a 72.55% rise to $2597.20 million in 2004-05 from $1506.116 million in 2003-04.

Iron and steel bar rod exports rose by 18.62% to $383.94 million in 2004-05 as against $323.66 million in 20003-04.

Ferro alloy exports stood at $182.31 million in 2004-05, increasing by 115.47% from $84.61 million in 2003-04.

Imports of metaliferous ores and metal scrap witnessed an increase of 82.91% at $2370.39 million in 2004-05 as against $1295.92 million, acoording to commerce ministry data.