Exports up 1% in April, yet trade gap widens

India’s goods exports grew 1.06% to $34.99 billion in April, with a trade deficit of $19.1 billion fueled by increased gold imports. Switzerland replaced Russia as a key import source. Challenges include rising petroleum imports and ongoing FTA discussions with the UK.

Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi emphasized the importance of increasing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost India’s financial services exports during a workshop on financial services in FTAs. The event, jointly organized by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Exim Bank, aimed to explore the role of financial services in FTAs and their impact […]

India plans to establish an SOP for negotiating FTAs, addressing labor, environment, gender, and indigenous peoples. The Chintan Shivir will discuss strategies for FTAs, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and critical minerals.

India has implemented measures to prevent the contamination of spices exported from the country with EtO (ethylene oxide), a carcinogenic chemical, following reports of recall of products from Indian spice brands in Singapore and Hong Kong. The Spices Board has mandated testing of spice consignments destined for these regions and conducted a root cause analysis, […]

India’s palm oil imports rose 34.11% to 6,84,000 tonnes in April, led by lower global prices. Vegetable oil imports, including RBD palmolein and CPO, surged. Soybean and sunflower oil prices also fell, driving higher imports.

GTRI warns of China dumping in India due to US tariffs. India can gain from higher duties on medical items. Trade with China surpasses that with the US. GTRI advises vigilance by Indian trade authorities, ramping up production for US market exports.

Export orders up 10% in EU, West Asia, US driven by leather goods, footwear, apparel demand in India. Challenges for engineering goods due to geopolitical tensions. Increase in apparel orders from UK and demand for non-leather footwear. Positive impact of trade pacts with Australia and Mauritius. Market recalibration after inventory decline, logistics issues, and geopolitical […]

India has signed a 10-year contract to operate the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, which will help India enhance its logistical capabilities and expand its trade routes to Central Asia. The port, which is Iran’s only ocean port, is strategically located about 170 km west of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and offers an alternative maritime route […]

The US on Tuesday reignited the trade war with China by announcing a series of proposed tariff increases on imports including electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and various other goods.

The government is developing a verification system for exporters under the RODTEP scheme to ensure compliance with countervailing duties. This system will involve a joint mechanism with DGFT, DGTR, and DoR officials to check subsidy allegations on Indian products.