Exports till February 5 from SEZs, EOUs eligible for RoDTEP scheme benefits

Exporters from SEZs and EOUs can claim benefits under the RoDTEP scheme until February 5, 2025. However, from February 6, exports from these categories will no longer be eligible. The scheme’s extension highlights export challenges as volumes decline, urging the government for a five-year rate announcement.

India and the United States are actively discussing solutions to tariff-related disputes, aiming to formulate a bilateral trade agreement framework. The Ministry of External Affairs in India remains hopeful about reaching an understanding soon, signaling a possible breakthrough in their economic relationship.

India and the US are working towards a bilateral trade agreement, focusing on increasing market access, reducing import duties, and enhancing supply chain integration. The trade in goods and services between the two countries totaled $190.08 billion in 2023.

India may shield its economy from US trade tensions to some extent, but the ultimate impact hinges on trade deal outcomes. Global economic uncertainties have led to currency fluctuations and liquidity challenges, prompting proactive steps by the RBI and the government to sustain economic momentum.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has proposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on certain steel products for 200 days to protect the domestic industry. This measure, alongside anti-dumping and countervailing duties, aims to address issues of dumping, subsidized imports, and unexpected surges in imports.

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on flexible slabstock polyol imports from China and Thailand amid allegations that low-priced imports are harming the domestic industry. The investigation follows a complaint by Manali Petrochemicals Limited, urging that China be treated as a non-market economy.

India’s steel imports could halve by FY26, as the government considers a 12% provisional safeguard duty on some steel products. This measure is anticipated to boost domestic manufacturers’ profitability and capacity utilization, with imports expected to decline significantly and domestic demand growing steadily.

India’s services sector is experiencing robust growth, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urging the sector to aim for USD 450 billion in exports by next fiscal year, surpassing merchandise exports.

India has requested consultations with the EU at the WTO regarding the EU’s planned changes to safeguard measures on certain steel imports, which could affect India’s steel industry. The EU’s adjustments, set to begin in two phases, include a 25% out-of-quota duty until 2026 and alterations to residual quotas and quota caps.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal suggested India pursue bilateral free trade agreements with Mercosur members to circumvent stalled preferential trade talks. Goyal emphasized the need for swift negotiations and mentioned India’s concern about non-market economies, particularly China, leveraging the region as a trade route to India.