Evidence suggests that global demand is a far more important factor
than exchange rate in driving export growth. Between fiscal 2004 and
2008, despite a 12.4% appreciation in the rupee India's merchandise
exports grew at a whopping 25% per annum due to strong demand from
advanced economies. In contrast, between fiscals 2009 to 2014, despite
nearly 32% depreciation in the rupee India's export grew at a much
slower pace of 12.4% per annum as growth in advanced economies
decelerated sharply. Going ahead, IMF forecasts advanced economies
growth to pick-up to 2.2% in 2014 from 1.3% in 2013. We expect faster
growth in advanced economies to drive up India's exports despite a
marginal appreciation in the rupee in recent weeks.
Outlook for fiscal 2015
In fiscal 2015, India's current account deficit is forecast to widen to
$47 billion (2.2% of GDP). While export growth is expected to gain
momentum with global recovery, imports too will rise as curbs on gold
imports are withdrawn and imports of oil, consumption and investment
goods rise with recovery in GDP growth.