Foreign Trade (Latin American and Caribbean)

Functions of the Division

India’s total trade with Latin American and Caribbean region, comprising of 43 countries, stood at USD 35.73 billion with exports worth USD 14.50 billion and imports worth USD 21.23 billion during 2023-24. Latin America possesses vast reserves of natural resources such as metal ores, minerals, and agricultural products while sectors likeengineering goods, pharmaceuticals, information technology, textiles and various other industries are India’s strength. There is a good potential of trade in view of trade complementarities.
The functions of the Division broadly include the following:

General trade and allied matters of 43 countries of Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC) – Processing, coordination and participation in various trade negotiations.
Formulation of strategies to enhance bilateral trade through reduction or elimination of SPS/ TBT, tariff & non-tariff barriers in consultation with the Indian Missions/ MEA.
Undertake signing of MoUs/ Protocol with LAC countries on Economic Cooperation in order to enhance bilateral trade.
Market Access Initiatives (MAI) to facilitate and encourage trade in the LAC region through trade promotion activities such as exhibitions, fairs, etc. – process proposals & prepare recommendation.
Analyse trade data for identification of important trends and opportunities for enhancing trade with LAC countries with the integrated efforts of the Government, Trade Promotion Organizations, EPCs, Apex Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Indian Missions in LAC region and Institutions such as EXIM Bank, ECGC in cooperation with the Indian Missions in LAC region.
Monitoring Export Performance of LAC Countries and analysis thereof.

Officers in the Division

Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary

Room No : 302 Vanijya Bhawan
Tel : 23039360
Email: rajesh[dot]agrawal[at]nic[dot]in

Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary

Room No : 443, Vanijya Bhawan New Delhi
Tel : 2303 9434
Email : vimal[dot]anand[at]nic[dot]in

Bilateral Trade Statistics

Year/	Export	Import	Total Trade	Trade Balance	% Growth
					Export	Import	Total Trade
2009-10	5,614.40	9,356.30	14,970.70	-3,741.90	1.84	13.54	8.85
2010-11	9,324.48	13,042.52	22,367.00	-3,718.03	66.08	39.4	49.41
2011-12	12,276.85	16,178.56	28,455.41	-3,901.70	31.66	24.04	27.22
2012-13	13,518.03	27,497.09	41,015.12	-13,979.07	10.11	69.96	44.14
2013-14	10,791.60	28,128.07	38,919.68	-17,336.47	-20.17	2.29	-5.11
2014-15	11,528.43	26,951.76	38,480.19	-15,423.33	6.83	-4.18	-1.13
2015-16	7,529.48	17,691.79	25,221.27	-10,162.30	-34.69	-34.36	-34.46
2016-17	7,230.97	17,290.63	24,521.60	-10,059.67	-3.96	-2.27	-2.77
2017-18	8,611.62	20,723.48	29,335.10	-12,111.86	19.09	19.85	19.63
2018-19	9740.72	20547.11	30287.83	-10806.39	13.11	-0.85	3.24
2019-20	10,058.93	17,072.11	27,131.04	-7,013.18	3.27	-16.91	-10.42
2020-21	10,104.02	12,479.20	22,583.22	-2,375.18	0.45	-26.91	-16.76
2021-22	14,934.39	21,738.04	36,672.44	-6,803.65	47.81	-74.19	62.38
2022-23	17,705.59	21,923.11	39,628.70	-4,217.52	18.56	0.85	0.85
2023-24	14,503.04	21,232.14	35,735.18	-6729.10	-18.09	-3.15	-9.82