India considers export tax on low-grade iron ore

India is considering an export tax on low-grade iron ore to meet rising local demand. Small steel producers want restrictions, but the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries opposes it. India’s steel demand is increasing, driven by steel exports from China.

India and South Africa have opposed it as it neither has the WTO mandate or its members’ consensus and cannot be brought to the formal process in the WTO. Civil society also called the “attack” on India and South Africa by WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for opposing the proposed pact “appalling”. “The Director-General has […]

From the outside, it’s easy to think of India as an undifferentiated mass of individuals with leaders who turn up in places such as Abu Dhabi to reject everything the rest of the world suggests. But this is the world’s most complex democracy, and sometimes we just have to wait while it fights its internal […]

The analysis has shown that India has penetrated into what are termed as “absolutely new markets” in regions such as Africa, Central Asia, Latin America and North America during April-December 2023.

Imports of paper and paperboards have surged by 37% to approximately 1.47 million tonnes in April-December of the current fiscal year, impacting local paper mills, according to the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA). This marks a significant increase from around 1.07 million tonnes during the same period last fiscal year.

The debate at the World Trade Organisation’s meeting revolves around the e-commerce moratorium for digital media providers like Netflix and Spotify. Major decisions require consensus, and four proposals are being considered. The US industry groups are pushing for the renewal of the moratorium.

The WTO ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi has sparked discussions on reforms to agriculture and fisheries subsidies. Developed countries aim to reshape the institution to favor their interests, impacting dispute resolution, decision-making, and negotiations. Developing countries must safeguard their interests and prevent the dominance of plurilateral agreements.

Albania, a Western Balkans country with a growing economy and a reputation for Mother Teresa, is aiming to become India’s gateway to the region where countries are negotiating to join the European Union. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani believes Albania offers an opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with India, focusing […]

“Implementation of proposals in the WTO is challenging. The previous agreement to temporarily remove intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and discuss extending the waiver to diagnostics and therapeutics appears unlikely to be implemented

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, stated that at the upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi, India will advocate for upholding the guiding principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Goyal also mentioned plans to address the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) both at the WTO and through bilateral discussions with the EU.