Willing to step-up dialogue, China on lifting export curbs on rare earth metals to India

China has hinted at potential discussions with India regarding export restrictions on rare earth materials, expressing a willingness to enhance dialogue and cooperation with various nations to ensure stable industrial supply chains. This follows concerns in India about shortages affecting automobile and semiconductor manufacturing.

The minister, on a four-day visit to Switzerland and Sweden, said discussions on 90% of content were complete on India-EU FTA, with services and rules of origin negotiations slated to start from Monday. However, he said, key issue to be addressed is non-tariff barriers to make it easy to do business.

India is open to mutually beneficial arrangements with trusted trading partners regarding quality standards, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. India aims to promote the manufacturing of quality goods through Quality Control Orders (QCOs), ensuring equal treatment for both domestic and foreign suppliers.

India’s palm oil imports surged to a six-month peak in May, driven by attractive pricing compared to soyoil and sunflower oil, alongside dwindling inventories. This surge propelled overall vegetable oil imports to 1.19 million tons, the highest since December. Anticipated increased palm oil imports in June, potentially reaching 850,000 tons, are expected due to the […]

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal anticipates India’s goods and services exports to surpass USD 900 billion in 2025-26, even amidst global economic uncertainties. Despite challenges like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Red Sea crisis, India’s exports reached a record USD 825 billion in 2024-25.

Switzerland’s state secretary for economic affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, emphasized the need for a better regulatory environment and reduced red tape in India to attract Swiss investments, particularly concerning the $100 billion commitment under the EFTA trade agreement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed optimism about the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, stating that significant progress has been made and the year-end timeline for completion seems feasible. He highlighted the broad scope of India-EU relations, encompassing defence, security, and talent mobility.

India and the US are progressing towards a trade agreement. The target is before fall 2025. Piyush Goyal highlights India’s strong position with existing FTAs with various nations. Discussions are ongoing with the US, EU, Peru, Chile, and Oman for further trade agreements. Goyal notes the world recognizes India’s growing economic strength.

The United States has declined India’s request for consultations at the World Trade Organization regarding American tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Washington claims the tariffs are based on national security grounds, not safeguard measures. India had sought discussions after the US imposed a 25% tariff. This dispute arises as India and US are negotiating […]

India and the EU concluded five chapters, including intellectual property and trade facilitation, during the 11th round of FTA talks in New Delhi. Discussions also addressed easing certification processes under India’s Quality Control Orders.