India keeping close watch on IPEF trade pillar talks

India is closely watching the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) trade negotiations and has not yet decided to join the trade pillar. India is also engaged in critical mineral dialogue and negotiating trade pacts with Australia and ASEAN countries. The outcomes will determine India’s next steps in these international trade agreements.

Export Credit Agencies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub India, are engaging with Indian companies, banks, and government institutions to promote investment and cooperation, emphasizing the benefits of export credit instruments for leveraging European markets and supporting local partnerships.

India’s plans to impose tariffs on steel imports remain unchanged despite recent talks between leaders of India and China. The proposed safeguard duty aims to protect domestic steel producers from cheap imports, particularly from China, and would apply broadly to all nations, not targeting any specific country.

In light of the economic impact and pressures from Indian businesses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is reconsidering its strict investment restrictions on China. While maintaining certain safeguards, India aims to stabilize relations and boost high-end manufacturing by potentially easing rules on Chinese entry, primarily focusing on non-sensitive sectors.

The Indian government has outlined new export conditions for sesame seeds to the US, effective from November 16. The India Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council will issue the export certification. Additionally, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade has detailed the procedure for the annual RoDTEP return, mandatory by March 31 next year.

BRICS nations have decided to boost trade using local currencies and explore new financial infrastructures. They agreed to study the feasibility of an independent cross-border settlement system and establish a BRICS reinsurance company. The New Development Bank will also be developed further. They emphasized financial cooperation and inclusion in financial transactions.

India imposes anti-dumping duties on five Chinese goods, including glass mirror and cellophane transparent film, to shield domestic industries from underpriced imports. The duties, recommended by DGTR and finalized by the finance ministry, aim to ensure fair competition and protect local producers.

The government has removed the minimum export price for non-basmati rice and exempted parboiled and husked rice from export duty. The changes took effect on October 22. This move follows a previous lifting of the export ban. These steps aim to boost rice exports amid stable rice stocks and controlled retail prices.

Despite recent diplomatic progress between India and China, think tank GTRI deems a surge in Chinese investments unlikely. Trade imbalances persist, with India’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports posing a structural issue. Addressing these economic disparities will necessitate long-term policy efforts and diversified manufacturing capabilities.