US continues monitoring India’s restrictions on ICT imports, raises concerns on digital trade barriers

The United States has expressed ongoing concerns about India’s restrictions on the import of certain information and communications technology (ICT) products, including laptops, tablets, and servers. In its National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers for 2024, the US Trade Representative highlighted issues such as politically motivated content takedown requests and complex customs procedures […]

In its National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers 2024, the US Trade Representative (USTR) said: “Since 2021, US firms have been subject to an increasing number of takedown requests for content and user accounts related to issues that appear politically motivated”.

Micro enterprises’ exports grew to 6.63% in January, while small and medium enterprises’ shares decreased. Top MSME export sectors are engineering goods, gems, garments, rice, and chemicals. Various factors affect exports, including freight costs and Western world economic challenges.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to prioritize finalizing free trade agreements with Britain and Oman in the first 100 days of his potential new term, as per government sources. Talks with both nations are at advanced stages, aiming to boost India’s integration into global trade.

With these new initiatives, India has seen a surprising surge in exports of precious metals, minerals, automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, textiles, spices and defence equipment.

Pakistan’s potential trade resumption with India signals a significant policy shift, aiming to improve economic stability and reduce dependence on China, requiring careful diplomacy and consideration of India’s economic dominance.

India’s rice export prices increased this week due to higher duty on rice shipments, while Thailand’s demand remained low. The government imposed a 20% export duty on parboiled rice exports in August 2023 to control domestic rice prices. The customs department has demanded payment of duty differentials on rice exported in the last 18 months, […]

India’s diesel exports have decreased by 25% year-on-year in the first 11 months of the financial year to $20 billion due to softer international market prices. Despite this, the export volume rose marginally to 26 million metric tonnes from 25.8 million metric tonnes. Petrol exports also declined, fetching $10 billion, a 13% decrease compared to […]

The clarification from Pakistan’s Foreign Office comes days after the new Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in London that Pakistan will seriously consider restoring trade ties with India that have remained suspended since August 2019.

Australia has requested details from India regarding its fisheries programs, including policy objectives, budget expenditures, and coverage, during a meeting at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Australia also inquired about performance requirements and whether the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) includes objectives related to harnessing tuna resources in India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and […]