India restricts jute, woven fabric, yarn import from Bangladesh

India has imposed restrictions on jute, woven fabrics, and yarn imports from Bangladesh, limiting entry to the Nhava Sheva seaport, according to a recent notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This regulation, effective immediately, expands upon earlier restrictions placed on readymade garments and processed foods in May.

India is proactively addressing potential supply chain vulnerabilities stemming from China’s rare earth export restrictions. Despite possessing significant reserves, India’s domestic rare earth production lags, leading to substantial imports. To counter this, the government is implementing a national initiative and offering incentives to boost local processing and magnet production, aiming to secure its supply of […]

India and Oman have updated their double taxation avoidance agreement, broadening the scope of permanent establishment to include digital and service activities. The revised agreement lowers withholding tax rates on certain payments and introduces a Principal Purpose Test to prevent treaty abuse. These changes aim to boost investment, simplify tax compliance, and enhance information exchange […]

The WTO’s Goods Trade Barometer indicates a strong start to global goods trade in early 2025, driven by importers anticipating tariff hikes. While the barometer rose to 103.5, a decline in new export orders to 97.9 suggests potential weakening in trade growth later in the year. The WTO anticipates stable merchandise trade growth of 2.

Indian trade negotiators are in Washington for talks on an interim trade deal with the US before the July 9 deadline. India aims to protect its interests in agriculture and dairy while seeking concessions for labor-intensive sectors. Discussions will also address the impact of US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto imports, as India seeks […]

The India-UK FTA introduces “coequal” origin rules, offering flexibility for goods to qualify for reduced tariffs by meeting any origin criteria. This approach, along with digital certificates of origin, aims to improve access and compliance. India anticipates zero duty benefits for 99% of exports to the UK, while the UK will cut tariffs on 90% […]

The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and IAMAI have partnered to boost India’s digital services exports. This collaboration aims to strengthen the global presence of Indian digital businesses by promoting international market access and addressing trade-related policy challenges. Joint working groups will be formed with government bodies to resolve issues faced by digital exporters.

The UAE-India CEPA Council has launched the UAE–India CEPA Start-up Series in New Delhi, aiming to boost innovation and support Indian start-ups’ global expansion. Bilateral trade has surged since the CEPA, reaching $83.64 billion in FY 2023-24. The initiative will culminate in a pitch event, offering selected start-ups a UAE soft-landing package with incubation, mentorship, […]

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that trade deal negotiations with the US and EU are progressing rapidly and are expected to conclude soon. She refuted claims of India being a “tariff king,” highlighting reduced customs duties. India’s exports reached a record $825 billion in FY25, with a 6% growth, despite global challenges, aiming for $2 […]