Exporters of engineering goods have sought multiple intervention from the Centre in the upcoming Union budget in the wake of a steep rise in the input cost of steel, ocean freight and non receipt of various incentives.

The exporters claim India could lose its market for engineering items to other countries of the southeastern region unless the government makes the available steel cheaper or releases funds which are part of the incentive scheme.

“Exporters have not been able to apply for MEIS (Merchandise Export from India Scheme) licences for exports done from April to December 31. This delay has caused huge cash flow problems, especially for MSME exporters, as they had factored in the amount at the time of quoting. The government should immediately issue MEIS to give relief,” Sanjay Budhia, managing director of Patton, one of the leading exporters out of Bengal, said.