SUPPLY NEGOTIATIONS
Spike in maritime shipping rates is no pandemic flashback
This round of supply-chain difficulties originates with the threat from Yemen’s Houthis, which is keeping container ships from using their normal route from Asia to Europe through the Suez Canal.
Oil settles 1% lower as Mideast ceasefire talks ease supply disruption concerns
The head of Israel's Mossad has returned from Doha after an initial meeting with mediators trying to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, and negotiations will resume next week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday.
Israel sends delegation to negotiate hostage release deal with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu informed U.S. President Biden about resuming talks with Hamas for a hostage release deal, led by Mossad. Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the talks stalled but resumed after Hamas showed flexibility. Netanyahu insists on achieving all objectives before a ceasefire. Gaza’s health ministry reported 38,000 deaths. Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Shejaia worsen the humanitarian crisis. Evacuation orders have displaced many Palestinians. Mossad leads the delegation, per Israeli Channel 12.
Trade routes in turmoil: Why Indian exports are piling up in Colombo and Singapore
About 75% of India's transshipped cargo is handled at ports outside India, and the major trade routes connecting India to various destinations, including Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang, are currently experiencing strain.
US industries fearing a port strike urge Biden to revive talks
Amidst peak shipping season, stable long-term contracts at West Coast gateways draw focus during labor negotiations at East and Gulf Coast ports.
"It's all happening again": The supply chain is under strain
The intensifying upheaval in shipping is prompting carriers to lift rates while raising the specter of waterborne gridlock that could again threaten retailers with product shortages during the make-or-break holiday shopping season. The disruption could also exacerbate inflation, a source of economic anxiety animating the U.S. presidential election.
Oil softens to $82 a barrel on Fed rate decision, ample supply outlook
Oil prices slipped on Thursday as investors digested that the U.S. Federal Reserve had likely pushed back an interest rate cut to December and as U.S. crude and fuel stocks rose.
Oil slips on US growth worries, ample crude supply
Oil prices fell as U.S. Federal Reserve maintained interest rates, impacting market sentiment. Concerns over supply disruptions and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza added volatility to the market.
'Made in India' bullet trains with top speed of 250 kmph in making
The Indian Railways has assigned the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to manufacture two standard-gauge bullet trains this fiscal year, aiming to address delays in negotiations with Japanese suppliers over costs. These bullet trains, capable of speeds up to 250 kmph, will operate on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. Built on the Vande Bharat platform, the trains face tight delivery timelines. The project has been delayed due to land acquisition issues, and experts believe achieving the target speed within this fiscal year is challenging.
Nitish Kumar may seek '1 nation 1 power tariff' in NDA negotiations
Nitish Kumar has been pushing for subsidized electricity rates from NTPC and other central producers. A senior JDU leader mentioned that Bihar buys electricity at a high cost and also provides consumer subsidies. Kumar might request a "one nation, one tariff" policy for electricity. With Bihar's assembly elections approaching in 2025, this issue is significant.
View: Tackling FTA attractions
India has resumed free trade negotiations with trading partners after withdrawing from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations in 2019. The process has been restarted with the signing of India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) in March 2021, followed by India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, and India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) pact in February this year.
Commerce dept mulls trade pact talks SOP, chapter on critical minerals in Chintan Shivir
The government in New Delhi is focusing on critical minerals in FTAs, data adequacy issues, and challenges in e-commerce. SOP for trade pacts, real-time negotiation challenges, and data sovereignty issues were discussed by the commerce ministry.
Commerce ministry working on standard operating procedure for FTA negotiation
The commerce ministry recently conducted a 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan's Neemrana to discuss issues related to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The event included deliberations on standard operating procedures (SoPs) for FTA negotiations, capacity building, and addressing contemporary issues like labor, environment, and gender. Participants emphasised the importance of economic assessment, digital trade challenges, and interdisciplinary support for successful negotiations. They highlighted the need for expertise in law, economics, data analytics, and industry-specific knowledge.
Oil prices stable as markets believe major stakeholders don't want hostilities to escalate: Hardeep Singh Puri
Global oil prices holding at $82/barrel despite OPEC supply cuts, wars, and uncertainties. Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri believes major stakeholders don't want hostilities to escalate, maintaining supply-demand equilibrium. OPEC and allies control market by keeping 7 million barrels/day off the market.
India has a rare request for Reliance & state refiners on Russia oil deal
India has urged state-run oil refiners and Reliance Industries Ltd. to negotiate a long-term supply deal with Russia to shield the economy from volatile prices. While the government wants collaboration, Reliance's reluctance to share sensitive information poses a challenge. India seeks discounted oil amid tighter US sanctions.
Commerce ministry's draft strategy to negotiate future FTAs to be circulated among key departments soon
The commerce ministry has developed a draft comprehensive strategy for future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The draft will reviewed by key departments, aiming to streamline negotiation processes with India's trading partners. The strategy, presented during a recent meeting involving trade experts, aims to ensure thorough analysis, background work, and systematic reporting throughout negotiation phases. Discussions at a recent 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan also covered topics like India's trade strategy, including new issues like labour and environment in FTAs.
Comm Min holds discussions on formulating SOPs to negotiate FTAs
The commerce ministry discussed formulating SOPs for negotiating FTAs during a Chintan Shivir, engaging with trade partners like the UK, EU, Peru, Australia, and the Eurasian Economic Union. The discussions included India's trade strategy, vision 2047, and new disciplines like labour and environment.
Xi says China hopes Europe will return to peace soon and that China will play a constructive role
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing amid Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The leaders discussed strengthening their nations' partnership and signed agreements. Putin praised China's infrastructure initiative while pledging collaboration in global affairs. The visit highlights their close ties amidst geopolitical tensions and military cooperation.
Ahead of China trip, Putin says willing to negotiate on Ukraine
The Russian leader's two-day trip from Thursday comes as his country's forces have pressed an offensive in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region that began last week in the most vital border incursion since the full-scale invasion began, forcing almost 8,000 people to flee their homes.
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