Non-trade issues take backseat in FTA talks

Developed countries are easing their stance on including non-trade issues like sustainability and environment in free trade agreement negotiations with India. This shift may help ongoing trade talks with the EU and UK. India prefers discussing non-trade issues at international platforms specifically meant for them. The EU’s trade barriers like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism […]

By initiating a tariff war, the US has caused disruptions resulting in India gaining a significant portion of its dairy export market. Numerous countries in India’s vicinity are likely to raise import duties on US products in retaliation, positioning India to capitalize on the opportunity to access newer export markets.

India’s goods and services exports are estimated to surpass USD 800 billion in 2024-25, despite merchandise shipments remaining stagnant. Positive growth in merchandise exports is expected in 2025-26. The service exports saw a significant increase, reaching USD 354.90 billion during April-February 2024-25.

India emerges stronger in the US-India reciprocal tariffs scenario, negotiating favorable trade agreements and protecting domestic industries against dumping. The country is leveraging its bilateral talks, with New Delhi exploring measures to safeguard sensitive sectors and support impacted exporters amid escalating trade tensions.

India is meticulously negotiating trade agreements in light of US-imposed tariffs, focusing on protecting sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture. The government aims to prevent goods dumping from countries with steeper tariffs and provide support to impacted exporters. FTA discussions with the UK and other nations are showing good progress.

The US revised its reciprocal tariff against India from 27% to 26% among changes for 14 countries. Pharmaceutical, copper, and semiconductor tariffs are expected soon. Experts believe these changes could impact the US economy, potentially slowing growth in 2025 and possibly leading to a recession.

India is optimistic about finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union soon. During a recent visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen directed their teams to finalise the FTA within this year. Ongoing negotiations are progressing strongly, aiming to seal the deal by this year.

Exporters have urged the Indian government to expedite negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US due to reciprocal tariffs impacting orders. They are concerned about absorbing a 26% tariff and the potential surge of dumped Chinese goods. The government is monitoring imports and supporting affected sectors.

Indian exporters begin talks with American buyers to address the impact of the US’s additional 26% import duties on Indian goods starting April 9. The affected sectors include hand tools, leather, woolen, and carpets. Exporters emphasize that these duties will hurt demand and job creation, while calls are made for India to consider reducing tariffs […]

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the Indian government is evaluating the effects of the US’s reciprocal tariffs, which include a 27% levy on Indian exports. He emphasized the contrasting national priorities of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. Trump also announced tariffs impacting around 60 countries, with varying rates for […]