Progress of India-UK trade pact talks reviewed at highest level

The India-UK free trade agreement negotiations are at a crucial stage, with the Prime Minister’s Office reviewing progress on February 16. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal attended the meeting. Both countries are working to resolve remaining issues. The pact covers 26 chapters, including goods, services, investments, and intellectual property […]

The scheme does not include all exports. Products exported from SEZs, EOUs, Electronic Hardware Technology Parks, Biotechnology Parks and Customs bonded warehouses; exports under Advance Authorisation (which allows duty-free imports of inputs for export production); re-exported imported goods are excluded.

The Red Sea crisis has caused significant shipping costs and times for Indian companies, leading to job losses and increased costs for small exporters. In India, small exporters, who account for 40% of the country’s annual merchandise exports worth $450 billion, have warned that job losses have started and could soar if the attacks, which […]

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of solar glass from China and Vietnam following a complaint from domestic players. The probe will determine if the dumping of ‘Textured Tempered Coated and Uncoated Glass’ has caused material injury to Indian industries.

India’s exports rose to USD 36.92 billion in January, with a trade deficit of USD 17.49 billion. Imports grew to USD 54.41 billion. Crude oil imports rose by 4.33% to about USD 16.56 billion. Gold imports jumped by about 174% to USD 1.9 billion. April-January exports dipped by 4.89% to USD 353.92 billion. Imports contracted […]

The negotiations for the proposed India-UK free trade agreement are at an advanced stage, and both sides are working to iron out differences on the remaining issues, a top government official said on Thursday. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said the negotiations are taking time because “we want” to safeguard India’s interest.

India rejects EFTA’s demand for ‘data exclusivity’ provision, protecting the generic drug industry. Secretary Barthwal emphasizes India’s support for the industry. Exclusivity is beyond TRIPS agreement. EFTA has 29 FTAs with 40 partner countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Mexico, and Korea.

AEPC urges govt to suspend order allowing trans-shipment of Bangladesh export cargo through Delhi Air Cargo complex due to Red Sea crisis increasing transportation costs and shifting export shipments from sea to air mode. Excessive increase in air freight rates, delay in handling and processing of export cargo, and severe congestion at Cargo Terminal making […]

India’s trade deficit increased to $17.49 billion in January 2023, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. The deficit was $17.03 billion in January 2023 and $19.8 billion in December 2023. Merchandise exports rose by 3.12% to $36.92 billion, while imports increased by 3% to $54.41 billion. Services exports increased by $28 billion in January and […]