Foreign Trade
India-UK FTA: Dynamics set to change after Starmer-led Labour Party's election victory?
India-UK FTA: Keir Starmer's Labour Party is poised to end the 14-year Conservative Party rule in the UK, with Starmer set to become the next Prime Minister. The change in government is expected to have minimal impact on India-UK relations, particularly concerning the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer's manifesto pledges to pursue a "new strategic partnership" with India, focusing on finalizing the FTA, marking a departure from previous Labour Party stances. Despite the anticipated shift, the specific timelines for concluding the FTA remain uncertain.
Chabahar Port: Southeast Asia’s gateway to Central Asia
The city state is India's strategic partner in Southeast Asia and the financial hub for the Indo-Pacific region. It has a free trade agreement (FTA) with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and is exploring the establishment of a trade and transit corridor with Kazakhstan, in which the Chabahar port would be a key link between SE Asia and Central Asia, according to people in the know.
Budget 2024: How Sitharaman can steer the trade ship amidst two wars and Red Sea crisis to achieve $2 tn export goal
In the upcoming budget, key priorities for the export sector include boosting e-commerce exports through streamlined policies and infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, there is a push for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at revitalising sectors such as toys and leather goods, fostering competitiveness and export growth.
India aims to clock $2 trillion goods and services exports by 2030
India aims to clock $2 trillion goods and services exports by 2030 amid the Red Sea crisis and two ongoing wars.
India initiates anti-dumping probe into import of Chinese lift guide rails
India has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese lift guide rails. The move comes after a complaint from a domestic company, and aims to safeguard local industry from low-cost imports. The investigation, led by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, targets 'T-Shaped Elevator/Lift Guide Rails and Counterweight Guide Rails.' If proven, anti-dumping duties may be imposed by the finance ministry to protect domestic players in accordance with WTO regulations.
Share of Russian oil in imports up at 42% in June, Iraq supplies fall
Indian imports of Russian crude surged in June, outpacing other major suppliers. Refiners find the discounts on Urals grade appealing, with private sector involvement rising.
Put off health stamp for milk, pork, fish imports: US to India
The US requests a six-month delay in India's health certificate requirement for imported food items like milk, pork, and fish to ensure the absence of antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metal residues.
Goods trade up 1% in first quarter of 2024: WTO
World merchandise trade volume increased by 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, with a 1.4 per cent rise from the same period in 2023, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite Europe experiencing a decline, most regions contributed to the increase. The WTO predicts a 2.7 per cent growth in trade volume for 2024 if the current expansion pace continues.
India’s trade dependence on China, EU rose in Q1 of 2024, says UNCTAD
The UNCTAD nowcast predicts a stronger positive trend for the second quarter of 2024, projecting an approximate 2% increase for the first half of 2024. This increase is expected to add around $250 billion to goods trade and about $100 billion to services trade in the first half of 2024 compared to the second half of 2023.
India's June palm oil imports rise to 6-month high on lower prices
India's palm oil imports rose in June due to strong demand before festivals. Refiners played a key role, potentially impacting Malaysian palm oil futures. Sunvin Group highlighted palm oil's competitive pricing. The country's edible oil imports increased, with significant purchases from Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
Must Watch
Commerce ministry developing platform for registration, resolution of non-trade barriers
"We are making a portal so that we can prioritise all the NTBs. Traders will register their complaints and the ministry will pursue that," the official said. In cases where the barrier is impacting a large volume of goods will be prioritised for their redressal and action-taking.
Government eases rules for global sourcing of medical gear
Pavan Choudary, chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTAI), termed the move a path-breaking effort by the government towards equitable policy making, spanning the crucial last mile which was uncovered so far.
No new duty concessions for milk, milk products imports: DGFT
India has strictly limited milk and milk product imports under tariff rate quotas (TRQs) in accordance with WTO commitments. Santosh Sarangi, director general of foreign trade, confirmed that no TRQ imports are planned for the current year. TRQ imports have occurred only three times in recent years, managed exclusively by cooperatives and state-owned entities, following guidelines that balance producer and consumer interests.
India, Australia look at increasing cooperation in critical minerals, processing
Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential components in many of today's rapidly growing clean energy technologies - from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles.
India is witnessing high foreign remittances & FDI inflow: Goyal
India's thriving investment appeal is evident with high foreign remittances and FII inflows, while regulatory reforms and sector openings attract global interest. Elon Musk's potential investments in the space and EV sectors signal promising developments for India's economic growth and international partnerships.
India initiates anti-dumping probe into import of glass fibre from China, Thailand, Bahrain
India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of glass fibre from China, Thailand, and Bahrain in response to a complaint by a local manufacturer. The probe, led by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the commerce ministry, aims to safeguard domestic industries from inexpensive imports. Owens-Corning (India) has filed for this investigation, citing potential harm to the domestic market and proposing anti-dumping duties on these imports.
