The robust growth rate of India’s exports over the past few years has been supported and sustained by the continuous efforts of the millions of exporters across different sectors. In recognition of the individual contribution of each exporter, D&B, in association with ECGC, has initiated D&B – ECGC Indian Exporters’ Excellence Awards, and the accompanying publication, India’s Leading Exporters. This joint initiative is meant to felicitate and document the achievements of the country’s leading exporters and create a forum for this community to reach out to their current and potential buyers.

Overall, 10 prominent export-oriented sectors were short-listed for the purpose of the awards and the publication. To take into account diversified export baskets, the additional segment of multi-category was included. One of the key features of these awards is that it has sought to recognise and honour the crucial role played by the small and mid-size players as well. Thus, we identified four revenue segments namely micro, small, medium and large based upon turnover. The companies nominated themselves in their respective sectors and were classified under revenue categories based upon their total turnover for FY07. A proprietary financial model was used to arrive at the winners and runners up across the sectors. India’s Leading Exporters profiles 122 companies, which include winners and runners up across the various sectors. Other participants that submitted their nominations have been listed in this publication on various parameters.

The information provided in the nomination forms of the 585 short-listed companies has been collated and aggregated to arrive at the key characteristics of these leading exporters. Some of major highlights are as follows:

• The maximum representation of companies, around 45%, came from the small category.
• 72% of the companies earn more than 50% revenue from the overseas market.
• 29% exporters operated as export oriented units (EOUs).
• Exporters from the micro bracket displayed the lowest growth for export revenue while large players demonstrated the highest growth in export revenue.
• Europe was the most preferred destination while Singapore and Sri Lanka turned out to be emerging export countries in the Asian region.
• Brazil and Mexico were the most prominent export destinations in LAC region whereas Russia and Ukraine tuned out to be the major spots in CIS region.
• The north, south and west accounted for maximum number of engineering exporters while exporters from the leather industry dominated the eastern region.
• Institutional assistance for transparency in export rules and regulations turned out to be the most significant form of support needed by the exporters.

The globalisation of the world economy and increasing economic integration across nations has engendered multiple opportunities, which have been successfully harnessed by Indian exporters. However, there are some inherent risks while operating in the international market, which must be guarded against. Exports are expected to play a much larger role in sustaining India’s robust economic growth over the next few years. D&B will continue to track export related developments in order to make future editions of this publication a valuable resource.

Kaushal Sampat
Chief Operating Officer
Dun & Bradstreet India