Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that India is set to implement two to three new free trade agreements (FTAs) within the next six months, with an additional three to four pacts expected to come into force by 2027. Speaking virtually at the Citi India Conference 2026 in Mumbai, the…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das stated this week in Mumbai that India’s domestic economy remains robust enough to withstand potential shifts in global trade policies, specifically regarding anticipated US tariff adjustments. As global markets brace for potential protectionist measures from the incoming US administration, the central bank is actively monitoring sectors heavily…
Strategic Push for Fisheries Export Growth Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched a strategic initiative to transform the state’s fisheries sector into a global export powerhouse by aggressively promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in value-added processing. During a recent ministerial consultation in New Delhi, Naidu emphasized that shifting global dietary preferences toward high-protein…
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel has issued a stark warning regarding the current trade landscape, noting that tariffs now affect approximately 55% of India’s total exports to the United States. Speaking at a recent forum, Patel emphasized that Indian policymakers must urgently develop strategies to mitigate the economic pain caused by…
Shifting Trends in Global Spice Trade India, the world’s largest spice exporter, recorded a 6% decline in total spice exports during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with total revenue settling at $4.43 billion. According to data from the Spices Board of India, the downturn was primarily driven by softening international demand for high-volume staples such as…
Accelerating India’s Global Trade Footprint Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced this week that India is set to finalize and implement two to three new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) within the next six months, followed by an additional three to four agreements by 2027. This aggressive trade policy expansion, coordinated by the…
The Indian government and the Sultanate of Oman have officially solidified a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a landmark deal finalized this month that eliminates the 5 percent Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty on Indian textiles, apparel, and products manufactured by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By removing these long-standing tariff barriers, the agreement…
Record-Breaking Export Performance Indian tyre manufacturers achieved an unprecedented export value of Rs 27,312 crore during the 2025-26 fiscal year, marking a 9 per cent increase from the Rs 25,057 crore reported in the prior period. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, this growth trajectory marks the second consecutive year of steady…
The Indian Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a strategic six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export promotion mission this week in New Delhi to bolster domestic manufacturing and mitigate the impact of rising global protectionism, including recent US tariff adjustments. This comprehensive initiative aims to diversify export markets and provide financial incentives to…
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel cautioned this week that current trade barriers are affecting approximately 55% of Indian exports to the United States. Speaking at a recent industry forum, Patel emphasized the urgent need for policymakers to implement mitigation strategies to offset the economic pain felt by domestic exporters navigating these…
A New Chapter for Indian Agriculture The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) successfully facilitated the first commercial consignment of MD 2 pineapples from India to the United Arab Emirates this week. This landmark shipment signals a strategic expansion for Indian farmers, marking the country’s formal entry into the high-demand global market…
Record-Breaking Performance in Indian Seafood Exports India’s seafood export sector achieved a historic milestone in the 2023-24 fiscal year, reaching an all-time high in both volume and value despite navigating significant global market volatility. According to data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the nation successfully solidified its position as a global…
Indian exporters are closely monitoring ongoing United States Trade Representative (USTR) investigations and bilateral trade negotiations this week, strategically positioning themselves to gain a competitive advantage over global rivals. As the U.S. government evaluates potential tariff adjustments, industry leaders in New Delhi remain optimistic that diplomatic channels will safeguard key sectors, including footwear and leather,…
The Shift in Global Defence Dynamics India, historically one of the world’s largest arms importers, is aggressively pivoting toward becoming a significant global defence exporter. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India currently accounts for 8.2 percent of global arms imports between 2021 and 2025, yet the nation is now actively recalibrating…
India’s manufacturing sector accelerated in May, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbing to 55.0, reaching a three-month high as domestic and international demand remained resilient. Compiled by S&P Global, the data signals a robust recovery in production volumes, driven primarily by strong sales pipelines and increased output requirements across the nation’s industrial hubs. Contextualizing…
Resilient Growth Amidst Global Challenges India’s air cargo sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent months, reporting sustained volume growth despite significant logistics disruptions across West Asia. Data from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirms that strong export demand and the rapid expansion of cross-border e-commerce have shielded the industry from the volatility caused…
A high-level government panel in India is currently finalizing a new regulatory framework designed to grant Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units greater access to the domestic tariff area (DTA), according to officials familiar with the discussions. This policy shift, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to integrate export-oriented units more seamlessly into…
New Trade Agreement Opens Omani Markets India has officially commenced duty–free trade with Oman, dispatching the first wave of shipments valued at over $2 million under the newly enacted Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This milestone, occurring in late 2024, marks a significant shift in bilateral trade relations, allowing Indian exporters to bypass traditional tariff…
A decade after its 2014 launch, the ‘Make in India’ initiative has fundamentally reshaped the nation’s industrial framework, positioning India on a trajectory to reach $1 trillion in annual exports by 2028. Government data indicates that the manufacturing sector has evolved from a domestic-focused engine into a global export powerhouse, driven by strategic policy reforms…
The Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export promotion mission this week to bolster domestic manufacturing and mitigate the impact of potential United States tariff hikes. Designed to fortify the country’s trade position in a volatile global economy, the initiative aims to diversify export markets and provide…
India, long recognized as one of the world’s largest arms importers, is aggressively pivoting toward becoming a global defence manufacturing powerhouse. As of 2025, while the nation remains a major buyer of foreign military technology, government policy and private sector expansion are shifting the country’s role from a consumer to a serious international supplier. This…
Market Performance and Export Surge Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, announced the dispatch of 5.70 lakh units in May 2024, marking a steady operational month for the New Delhi-based automotive giant. While domestic dispatches remained the primary volume driver, the company reported a significant 78% year-on-year surge in its global…
Economic Surge Driven by Tech Dominance South Korea’s export sector recorded a staggering growth of over 60% in May, fueled primarily by a global resurgence in demand for semiconductors. This sharp increase, reported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has significantly bolstered the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and expanded its trade surplus,…
India and Oman will officially implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this coming Monday, marking a pivotal shift in bilateral trade relations. The agreement, signed earlier this year, aims to eliminate tariffs on a vast array of goods and services, effectively deepening economic integration between the two nations. This strategic move is designed to…
China reported a 5% increase in export prices this April, marking the fastest rate of growth since 2023, according to recent trade data. The surge, fueled by rising energy costs and an insatiable global demand for semiconductors, signals a significant shift in the world’s manufacturing supply chain dynamics. Contextualizing the Trade Shift For the past…
Former Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman Najib Shah has called for a rigorous investigation into why numerous approved Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across India remain non-operational. This inquiry comes amid ongoing industry debates regarding the justification of concessional Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) clearance facilities, a policy mechanism currently under intense regulatory…
Strengthening American Exports The U.S. international goods trade deficit narrowed by 3.4 percent in April, falling by $2.9 billion to a total of $82.4 billion, according to data released by the Census Bureau on May 29. This improvement was largely driven by a robust 4 percent surge in exports, which reached $219.7 billion, signaling a…
The Indian government has officially exempted customs duties on raw cotton imports for a five-month window ending October 30, a strategic move designed to stabilize domestic supply chains and lower procurement costs for the nation’s vast textile industry. Announced in New Delhi, this intervention addresses recent inflationary pressures on raw materials that have hampered production…
The Indian textile industry has received a significant boost this week following the government’s decision to waive import duties on raw cotton. This policy shift, implemented to address high domestic prices and supply volatility, aims to stabilize raw material costs for manufacturers across the country. Industry leaders expect this move to enhance the global competitiveness…
New Framework for Special Economic Zones A high-level government panel in India is currently finalizing a new regulatory framework designed to grant Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units streamlined access to the domestic market. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to revitalize the SEZ sector by removing long-standing barriers that have…
The Indian Union Cabinet has officially approved a six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export mission aimed at bolstering the nation’s trade resilience against rising international protectionism. Announced in New Delhi this week, the initiative seeks to insulate domestic manufacturers from the impact of recent US tariff hikes while aggressively expanding the country’s footprint in emerging global…
The Impact of Trade Barriers Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel recently warned that approximately 55% of India’s total exports to the United States are currently facing the burden of tariff barriers. Speaking at a high-level economic forum, Patel emphasized that these trade restrictions are creating significant friction for Indian manufacturers and exporters,…
Record-Breaking Performance in India’s Seafood Sector India achieved an unprecedented milestone in its seafood export sector during the 2023-24 fiscal year, reaching record-breaking export values despite facing significant global economic headwinds. According to data released by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the nation solidified its position as a primary global supplier, driven largely…
Salem-based coffee manufacturer Sri Narasu’s Coffee Company announced this week an ambitious growth strategy aimed at reaching a ₹1,000 crore revenue milestone within the next five years. The company, a staple in the South Indian coffee market, plans to aggressively expand its retail footprint into Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh to capitalize on rising regional…
A high-level government panel in India is currently drafting a new regulatory framework to allow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units easier access to the domestic market, a move aimed at revitalizing export-oriented manufacturing. The committee, tasked by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is reviewing existing SEZ laws to align them with global trade standards…
A decade after its 2014 launch, the ‘Make in India’ initiative has catalyzed a structural shift in the nation’s economy, positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse with export targets now reaching $1 trillion by 2028. Government data indicates that the manufacturing sector has transitioned from a domestic-focused model to an export-oriented engine, significantly bolstered…
The Indian Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially approved a six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export mission this week, a strategic move designed to bolster domestic manufacturing and mitigate the economic impact of looming United States tariffs. The initiative aims to provide a robust framework for exporters to navigate shifting global trade dynamics…
India has solidified its position as the world’s leading exporter of gherkins, with outbound shipments reaching an unprecedented $307 million during the 2026 fiscal year. Despite facing significant tariff hurdles in the United States, the country’s agricultural sector successfully diverted supply chains to capture surging demand in Germany, Russia, and Canada, ensuring a robust growth…
In a significant shift for the national trade landscape, the share of petroleum products in total exports dropped to 8.8% during the 2026 fiscal year, marking the lowest level recorded in over a decade. While the overall contribution of the sector to the export basket has contracted, official government data reveals a nuanced reality, as…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das announced this week that the Indian economy is well-positioned to withstand potential volatility stemming from proposed US tariff hikes. Speaking at a recent economic forum in Mumbai, Das emphasized that while specific sectors—particularly those reliant on global supply chains—may face short-term disruptions, the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals…
India’s solar module manufacturing sector faced a significant contraction in the first quarter of 2026, as nearly every major listed company reported zero exports to international markets. The downturn, centered on the period ending March 31, highlights the immediate impact of evolving US trade policies and protectionist tariffs on the global renewable energy supply chain….
Honda Cars India announced on Wednesday that it will begin production of its first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) in India by 2026, positioning the country as a pivotal manufacturing hub for both domestic consumption and international exports. The Japanese automaker confirmed that the upcoming model will be shipped to overseas markets, including Japan, marking a…
India and the European Union have officially concluded a landmark trade agreement this week, marking a significant milestone in global economic diplomacy. The deal, finalized by high-level negotiators in Brussels, aims to slash tariffs and streamline regulatory frameworks between the world’s most populous nation and the 27-member European bloc. While the signing represents a diplomatic…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das stated this week that the Indian economy remains resilient enough to withstand potential shifts in global trade policies, specifically addressing concerns regarding proposed US tariff hikes. Speaking at a recent economic forum, Das emphasized that while protectionist measures pose risks to emerging markets, India’s domestic consumption and…
A high-level government panel in India is currently drafting a new regulatory framework designed to grant Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units greater access to the domestic tariff area (DTA). This policy shift, initiated in early 2024, aims to revitalize the export-oriented manufacturing sector by removing restrictive barriers that have historically separated SEZs from the broader…
A Strategic Milestone for Indian Agriculture The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) announced this week the successful shipment of the first commercial consignment of MD 2 pineapples from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This landmark export, originating from the fertile regions of southern India, marks a significant diversification in…
The Moneycontrol Eco Pulse index climbed to 51.6 in April, signaling a return to the expansion zone after a period of volatility. This recovery, driven primarily by robust manufacturing activity and a surge in exports, demonstrates the resilience of the Indian economy despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a cooling trend in urban…
The Indian Union Cabinet has officially approved a strategic six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export promotion mission designed to bolster the nation’s manufacturing footprint and international trade competitiveness. This policy intervention arrives as Indian exporters face mounting pressure from emerging US tariff threats and shifting global supply chain dynamics. By providing targeted financial incentives and infrastructure…
The Indian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a massive six-year, Rs 25,000 crore export promotion mission this week to bolster the nation’s global trade competitiveness. The strategic initiative arrives as Indian exporters face mounting pressure from potential US tariff hikes and shifting geopolitical trade dynamics. By targeting infrastructure bottlenecks and logistical inefficiencies,…
Ten years after its 2014 launch, the ‘Make in India’ initiative has catalyzed a structural shift in the nation’s economy, positioning India to reach a milestone of $1 trillion in total exports by 2028. Government data and global trade analysis indicate that the policy, aimed at transforming the country into a global design and manufacturing…