Glaxo India saw exports of almost Rs 45 crore in 1997, up 69 per cent over the previous year, while that of Burroughs Wellcome was Rs 17.43 crore as against its previous Rs 15.49 crore.

Figures obtained from industry sources indicate that Glaxo exported 2,54,550 kg of SMX worth Rs 9.79 crore in 1996, while corresponding figures for Burroughs Wellcome were 1,95,200 kg worth Rs 7.30 crore.

Key export destinations in the case of Glaxo included Busan in Korea, Singapore and Hamburg in Germany, while in the case of Burroughs Wellcome these included Hong Kong, Busan, Hamburg and Kelang in Malaysia.

Significantly, in 1997, Glaxo's SMXexport figures rose to 2,98,100 kg, up by 43,550 kg, worth Rs 10.369 crore, marginally up by Rs 57.606 lakhs. In contrast, Burroughs Wellcome registered SMX exports of 51,000 kg worth Rs 1.935 crore, a drop of 1,44,200 in terms of volume and 73.49 per cent in value. Major export destinations included Hamburg in Germany and Bandar Abbas in Iran in the case of Glaxo India, while thrust areas in the case of Burroughs Wellcome were Busan in Korea and Indonesia.

It is, however, significant to note that these figures represent only sea-borne shipments while exports made by air are not included in the data. Sources indicated that SMX has traditionally featured in the Burroughs Wellcome export basket while it appears to be relatively newer in the case of Glaxo India. No specific official comment on the year of commencement of SMX exports by both companies could be obtained.

In response to a faxed questionairre from The Financial Express, Glaxo India officials attributed the export growth to "trial exports ofranitidine base, exports of SMX sourced under a loan licensing contract entered into between Apte Amalgamations and Glaxo India and exports of finished formulations to other countries in the Asia Pacific region.

"Under the terms of the licensing agreement with Apte, discussions for which commenced in November-December 1995, Glaxo provides raw materials for conversion to SMX, working-capital finance and managerial resources on the commercial and marketing front. In exchange Apte's full production of 80-100 tonnes of SMX is committed to Glaxo," the statement adds. On whether Apte also had a similar arrangement with Burroughs Wellcome earlier, the statement points out, "Burroughs Wellcome also markets SMX and has continued to do so in 1997, but as one of the several other traded items made by other local manufacturers, viz Virshow and Siris. "Apte has not been a supplier to Burroughs Wellcome for SMX for several years now and therefore the SMX contract with Apte's is a new item insofar as both companies areconcerned."