India seeks WTO consultations with Indonesia over proposed duty on cotton fabric

India has requested consultations with Indonesia through the WTO regarding Jakarta’s plan to impose import duties on cotton fabric. New Delhi, emphasizing its significant trade interest in cotton fabric exports, proposed virtual discussions in late September 2025. This action follows Indonesia’s notification to WTO members about potential harm to its domestic cotton fabric industry and […]

India’s smartphone exports to the US experienced a significant 58% drop between May and August 2025, raising concerns due to the absence of tariffs. This decline, coupled with weakened pharmaceutical exports and falls in other sectors like jewellery, seafood, and textiles, prompts urgent investigation. Higher tariffs imposed in August are expected to further impact exports […]

Amidst global trade shifts, Brazil is advocating for stronger economic and agricultural ties with India, viewing it as a prime opportunity for collaboration. Ambassador Nobrega highlighted the Maitri 2.0 event, emphasizing joint research to combat climate change and enhance food security.

Emkay’s report indicates India’s IT services export growth may dip below 4% due to the sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, potentially disrupting traditional export models and project margins. While near-term impacts are limited, sustained higher fees could pressure Indian IT supply chains. Experts suggest a shift towards offshoring as a possible offset.

US companies are poised to find it easier to sell products and services in India as the two nations renegotiate a trade agreement, emphasizing the facilitation of digital trade. Both countries have agreed to avoid demanding proprietary information like source code or specific technology access as preconditions for business operations in India.

India and Oman are poised to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) soon, aiming to diversify their trade beyond energy to include more commodities and services. Negotiations have concluded, and both nations are undergoing legislative and administrative processes. The agreement seeks to reduce customs duties and ease norms to boost trade and investment, potentially […]

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a delegation to the US on September 22, 2025, for trade talks aimed at finalizing a mutually beneficial agreement. Discussions follow positive meetings held earlier in September, with both sides keen to intensify efforts.

Pascal Lamy suggests the US has effectively withdrawn from the WTO, as experts at a CUTS International roundtable emphasized the urgent need for WTO reform. Participants warned that inaction could lead to a significant drop in exports and called for inclusive reforms that benefit SMEs, women, and developing nations.

Non-performing assets (NPAs) in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector may see a marginal uptick, particularly in select export-oriented industries, amid global trade headwinds and portfolio seasoning, according to Crisil Ratings.

The US has linked India’s Russian oil imports to ongoing trade deal negotiations, a move considered unusual. During recent talks, the US team, led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, raised concerns, while India sought the removal of additional tariffs on its Russian energy purchases.