India seeks tariff solution in US trade talks: Commerce Secretary

In a strategic move towards economic collaboration, India is seeking a trade agreement with the United States that promises reciprocal advantages. Current negotiations are prioritizing the resolution of tariff discrepancies while enhancing energy trade.

India and China remain significant buyers of Russian fossil fuels. In September, India’s imports of Russian crude oil saw a decline. This comes as the United States urges India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. China leads as the top importer of Russian crude, LNG, and coal. Turkiye also features prominently in these energy […]

China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization against India’s electric vehicle and battery subsidies. Beijing claims these measures violate global trade rules and unfairly benefit Indian industries. This move comes as China seeks to increase EV exports to India. India’s trade deficit with China has also widened.

September was a promising month for India’s exports, showcasing their vibrancy amid global turbulence. However, with imports climbing at a quicker rate, the trade deficit has widened. Ongoing discussions surrounding U.S. tariffs are under scrutiny, while negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU are in their final stages.

In a fresh twist to international trade, Russia is poised to become a major player in the banana market, turning its gaze towards India for imports. The Russian agricultural oversight body, Rosselkhoznadzor, has revealed plans to source anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 metric tonnes of bananas annually.

America seeks global backing against China’s rare earth export curbs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expects support from India and European democracies. China’s actions are seen as provocative. Former President Donald Trump previously threatened tariffs. China dominates rare earth mining and processing. The US has imposed tariffs on India.

Indian exports of key goods to the United States saw a significant drop in August. Labour-intensive products like textiles, leather, and jewellery experienced a downturn. This follows the imposition of tariffs by Washington on New Delhi. Shipments of marine products, tyres, and garments also declined. Even kitchen staples like tea and spices faced reduced exports.

India’s mobile phone exports surged by 95% year-on-year in September, reaching over $1.8 billion despite a historically lean period. For April-September, exports hit $13.5 billion, with the US being the largest destination, accounting for nearly 70% of the total. This growth highlights India’s strengthening mobile manufacturing ecosystem and global reliability.

India and Taiwan have asked the WTO to postpone a decision on import duties until April 2026. Both nations are working to resolve the issue through talks. This delay aims to facilitate a mutual agreement. The WTO’s dispute settlement body will consider this request soon. The ruling concerns duties on certain information and technology products.

Brazil’s Ambassador welcomed India’s potential ethanol exports, emphasizing its role in making ethanol a global commodity. The two nations are deepening bioenergy cooperation, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel and higher ethanol blending targets, with Brazil sharing its extensive experience in ethanol integration.