India is considering a new category for ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages with 8-18% alcohol content, potentially allowing imports of such products as part of trade deal negotiations with the US. The US has requested eased customs clearances and certifications for food, beverages, chemicals, and medical devices.
Customs rules may be eased for beverages, medical gear from US
The US informed the WTO that its steel and aluminum tariffs are for national security, not safeguard measures, rejecting India’s consultation request. India sought discussions after the US imposed tariffs in 2018 and revised them in February 2025, arguing the US failed to notify the WTO.
IMEC could expand to include Oman, Egypt and Slovenia to advance strategic and economic interests
7 months ago
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) may expand to include Egypt, Oman, and Slovenia, enhancing strategic interests and regional economic integration. Experts at a conclave in New Delhi highlighted IMEC’s potential to reduce logistics costs and shipping times, leveraging India’s GATI SHAKTI initiative. IMEC aims to establish a resilient trade route, complementing the Suez Canal […]
An Indian official team is set to visit Washington next week to resolve outstanding issues before formally launching negotiations for a proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This visit, following a recent US team visit to India, signals growing momentum for the BTA talks.
India is actively pursuing US companies seeking to relocate manufacturing from China, aiming to capitalize on global supply chain shifts in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals. The government is also encouraging Indian companies to target the US market, preceding bilateral trade agreement negotiations. Electronics industry sees a significant opportunity, but Vietnam’s strong supply chain poses […]
Trump tariff impact: Chinese giants like Haier, Shanghai Highly agree to minority stakes under Indian FDI norms
7 months ago
Chinese firms like Shanghai Highly and Haier are now more willing to accept Indian conditions for expansion, including minority stakes in joint ventures, due to escalating US tariffs and the lure of India’s large market. Shanghai Highly is reviving talks with Voltas for a manufacturing joint venture, while Haier is considering selling a majority stake […]
India’s trade deficit with China soared to a record $99.2 billion in the last fiscal year, driven by increased imports of electronics and industrial inputs. Simultaneously, India recorded a $41.2 billion trade surplus with the US. Concerns over potential dumping from China, exacerbated by US tariffs, have prompted India to enhance its import monitoring mechanisms.
The WTO has significantly lowered its merchandise trade forecast for 2025, projecting a 0.2% decline due to the US-led trade war, a sharp contrast to the previously anticipated 2.7% growth. North America is expected to experience a steep drop in exports, while trade diversions are anticipated to benefit China and potentially open opportunities for least-developed […]
The Indian government is planning to introduce a credit card scheme, similar to the Kisan Credit Card, to support e-commerce exporters with lower borrowing costs. This initiative aims to boost exports, which saw marginal growth in FY25, and help exporters compete following the US ending duty-free treatment for low-value imports from China.
India and the US are set to begin face-to-face discussions in mid-May regarding their proposed bilateral trade agreement, following virtual talks this week. India aims to finalise the initial phase of the trade pact swiftly, potentially by September-October. Officials are monitoring potential import surges due to global tariff uncertainties, with a dedicated cell established for […]