Rise in May exports expected; labour-intensive field may continue to suffer

After a dip of 0.66% in March, exports had risen by 5.71% in April mainly due to engineering and pharma shipments

India's exports in May - figures for which are set to be released later today - are expected to show growth based on global factors but may not be able to bring out labour-intensive sectors out of their current contraction.

Spurred by double-digit growth in shipment of engineering goods and pharma products, exports rose by 5.71 per cent at $25.91 billion in April. This was a recovery since exports had dipped 0.66 per cent in March.

However, major labour-intensive sectors - gems and jewellery, leather and ready-made garments may continue to see decline which may affect the job scenario. "These