The Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters at the Bancon conference on Monday that robust growth in pharma, chemical, engineering and auto components sectors led to an increase in India’s exports for the second straight month in December.

Speaking at the banking summit, Sharma said that the rise in the country’s exports is an indication of the revival in overseas demand, due to the with the global economy recovery path; and added that the rising exports trend will likely be sustained during the January-March quarter.

Though Sharma said that “We have registered exports of $14.6 billion in December, which is a growth of 9.4 percent over November,” he also added that the government cannot afford to show complacency. He further said that the losses incurred during the 13-month period of plunging exports are yet to be recovered from.

Noting that some of the sectors of the economy have recovered well, Sharma said that it is the overall scenario that needs to be considered. He also hinted at the likelihood of the import of wheat and rice in the near future.

The Minister also said that the government would be announcing measures on Tuesday to prop up the sectors that have lagged behind. About the withdrawal of the economic stimulus package, Sharma said that the step will be taken only after ensuring “sustained strong growth.”