NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over declining automobile exports, a top government official today said India is always engaged with other countries to ensure that non- trade barriers should not affect the growth of the country's shipments.

Exports of passenger vehicles in November declined by 13.5 per cent to 44,960 units as compared to 52,014 units in November 2012. Three-wheelers shipments too have dipped by 14.33 per cent to 24,561 units during the month.

Commerce Secretary S R Rao said that the ministry is concerned over the non-trade barriers being imposed by certain countries."We certainly are concerned because it is tragic as the growth rate of the world trade is not picking up. We find more protectionist measures coming up worldwide.

"This is not unique to Latin America. The Department of Commerce is always engaged with each of these countries in ensuring that non-tariff barriers do not affect our exports growth," he told reporters here.

An industry source said that Indian automobile exporters are facing problem in countries like Sri Lanka, Algeria and Colombia.

"Suddenly Algeria is asking to fit environment and safety features in the vehicles. Colombia too is raising some issue," the source added.These nations are important export destinations for Indian automobile exporters. Declining shipments may affect the growth of the country's overall shipments, which has slowed down to a five month low of 5.86 per cent in November.

Source: Economic Times, India