WTO meet on June 3 in Paris: India to raise issues on agri, fisheries, investment facilitation

India will voice its concerns regarding agriculture, fisheries agreement, and the WTO’s appellate body dysfunction at a Paris meeting of trade ministers on June 3. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will attend the meeting, raising issues like investment facilitation proposals led by China.

Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports is set to affect Indian exporters. India’s iron, steel, and aluminium exports to the US, valued at USD 4.56 billion, face higher tariffs. The Indian government may retaliate with tariffs on US goods. Federation of Indian Export Organisations urges government intervention and market diversification.

A Global Trade Research Initiative report warns that U.S. President Trump’s decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, effective June 4, 2025, will significantly impact India’s metal exports, valued at USD 4.56 billion. The increased tariffs, raising rates to 50%, are expected to make Indian products less competitive in the U.S. market, potentially […]

President Trump announced the U.S. is nearing a trade deal with India, while Pakistan is expected in Washington for talks. He cautioned that conflict between India and Pakistan could jeopardize these negotiations. These developments occur amid heightened tensions and potential tariffs on Pakistani exports, as India and the U.S. aim for an interim trade deal […]

In a significant move, India has reduced the basic customs duty on crude palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. The duty is now 10%, a decrease from the previous 20%. This change, effective May 31, aims to boost domestic supply. The government hopes to control food inflation by lowering edible oil prices.

India and Chile have successfully completed the initial round of negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement, according to the Department of Commerce. Building upon their existing preferential trade agreement established in 2006, the two nations are now working towards a broader economic partnership. The proposed agreement aims to encompass sectors like digital services, […]

To ease domestic prices, the Indian government has reduced the basic import tax on crude edible oils, effective from May 30. This decision comes as India relies heavily on imports to meet over 70% of its vegetable oil demand, sourcing palm oil from Southeast Asia and soyoil and sunflower oil from South America, Russia, and […]

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the “breakthrough” in India-New Zealand economic relations with the launch of free trade agreement negotiations. He acknowledged India’s dairy industry concerns, emphasizing New Zealand’s potential to enhance India’s dairy productivity through improved practices.

India has prolonged the duty-free import period for yellow peas until March 31, 2026, effective immediately. This decision, outlined in a recent government order, grants traders an extended window for duty-free imports. As the world’s largest importer of yellow peas, primarily from Canada and Russia, this extension provides significant relief to traders.

The government is pushing air conditioner manufacturers to significantly increase exports. This follows the Production Linked Incentive scheme. The goal is to make India a major AC exporter, competing with China and Thailand. India aims to export 15-16 million AC units in four years. Currently, exports are around 2 million units. The government is seeking […]