STATE EXPORT FACILITATION CENTRE

UPDATES ON FOREIGN TRADE
SR. NO	NEWS TITLE	DATE OF PUBLISH	LINK
1	India's merchandise foreign trade data for October 2024 came packed with a pleasant surprise. The export value of 10 key products was the highest ever in India’s trade history. Non-petroleum product exports were also at a record $34.61 billion.	26-01-2025	Click here
2	India introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme that allows duty free import of natural cut and polished diamonds, thereby promoting value addition and boosting exports.	22-01-2025	Click here
3	The Government has extended the free import policy for tur (arhar/red gram) by another year to March 31, 2026. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has issued a notification in this regard	21-01-2025	Click here
4	The Commerce Ministry's arm DGFT on Monday updated the export policy for all products, specifying detailed conditions for each item to enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Earlier specific policy conditions were only outlined for goods which were subject to certain restrictions or fell under some norms. The updated schedule contains the current export policy of all ITC (HS) codes, along with specific policy conditions (if any) to be fulfilled.	13-01-2025	Click here
5	Diversifying export markets: How Indian rice brands are reaching new global destinations	12-01-2025	Click here
6	To propel the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance their competitiveness, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government is planning to interconnect 155 industrial clusters with a dedicated e-commerce (e-com) platform. This strategic move is expected to benefit over 50,000 industrial and manufacturing units of these clusters, administered by the UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). The dedicated e-com portal is being developed by the UPSIDA, and will connect raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and finished goods vendors operating out of these 155 clusters.	09-01-2025	Click here
7	The government is working on an export strategy to further accelerate the country's goods and services shipments, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said. He said the ministry is working on a "very" targeted manner to take the exports to $2 trillion by 2030 by addressing concerns of exporters and identifying areas of India's competitive advantages and strengths.	05-01-2025	Click here
8	Highlighting that the overall quality of the toys available in the Indian markets have developed, a study has revealed that the Indian toy industry has witnessed 52 per cent decline in imports and 239 per cent increase in exports in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23) in comparison to FY15.	04-01-2025	Click here
9	Revolutionizing Digital Commerce: The ONDC Initiative Digital commerce reimagined for inclusivity and innovation	04-01-2025	Click here
10	Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said despite global economic uncertainties, India's exports of goods and services are expected to cross USD 800 billion, which will be a record. Last fiscal year, the exports stood at USD 778 billion. He said though there will be stresses in the global system, but India's exports basket is large. He added share in services exports is also growing at a rapid pace.	03-01-2025	Click here
11	India is diversifying its export basket, focusing on products like banana, ghee, solar PV modules, and alcoholic beverages. The goal is to increase the global share of these products, targeting markets such as the US, EU, China, Japan, and more. Export revenues are expected to surge due to government incentives and global demand.	02-01-2025	Click here
12	India has the option to retaliate against any tariff measure by the US during the Donald Trump administration in sectors such as mineral fuels, iron, and steel products. However, it should also take proactive measures to engage directly with consumers and diversify markets to mitigate any adverse impacts, the Research and Information System (RIS) for Developing Countries stated on Tuesday.	01-01-2025	Click here
13	State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) have announced a price reduction for 19-kg commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, effective January 1, 2025. The revised prices bring slight relief to commercial establishments. In Delhi, the price has dropped by Rs 14.50, making the new cost Rs 1,804 compared to Rs 1,818.50 in December 2024. Similar reductions have been implemented across other major metros. In Kolkata, the price now stands at Rs 1,911, down by Rs 16 from Rs 1,927 last month. Mumbai recorded a reduction of Rs 15, bringing the price to Rs 1,756 from Rs 1,771. In Chennai, the price has been cut by Rs 14.50, making the new cost Rs 1,966 compared to Rs 1,980.50 earlier.	01-01-2025	Click here
14	In 2024, India received an estimated $129.1 billion worth of remittances, the highest ever for a country in any year. Moreover, India’s share in global remittances was 14.3% this year, the highest such share since the turn of the millennium for any country. The conclusions are based on a blog article published last week by the World Bank.	31-12-2024	Click here
15	India's exports of goods and services are expected to surpass USD 814 billion in 2024, a 5.58 per cent increase from 2023. While machinery and electronics exports are growing, traditional sectors such as textiles and garments are declining, highlighting both opportunities and challenges amid sluggish global trade and geopolitical tensions.	31-12-2024	Click here
16	The government has extended the minimum export price (MEP) of $2,000 per tonne on natural honey until December 31, 2025. This measure, originally imposed in March 2023, applies to exports below this value, with major destinations being the US and UAE.	30-12-2024	Click here
17	The commerce ministry has recommended imposition of an anti-dumping duty of up to $707 per tonne on imports of PVC paste resin, used to make artificial leather and other technical textiles' products, from six countries, including China, for five years, with an aim to guard domestic producers. In its findings, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), a wing of the ministry, has concluded that 'Poly Vinyl Chloride Paste Resin' has been exported to India at a price below the normal value from certain players of the six nations -- China, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Taiwan, and Thailand.	29-12-2024	Click here
18	The proposed comprehensive trade agreement talks between India and Australia may get delayed despite making substantial progress as Canberra moves closer to the federal election scheduled for May next year, people aware of the matter said. India and Australia began negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in February 2023.	29-12-2024	Click here
19	The India- Australia free trade agreement has been a “landmark” pact that enabled growth in exports by over 14% in 2023-24 and increased market access for Indian exporters, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said on the second anniversary of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).	29-12-2024	Click here
20	India's exports to Australia surged by 64.4% year-on-year in November, driven by growth in textiles, chemicals, and agricultural products. Despite a 5.21% decline in overall merchandise exports, the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has expanded market access and employment opportunities, enabling India to aim for AUD 100 billion trade by 2030.	29-12-2024	Click here
21	India's foreign exchange reserves dipped by $8.4 billion to $644.39 billion as of December 20, according to data shared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday. For the previous week, India's foreign exchange reserves dropped by $1.98 billion during the week ending December 13, 2024, settling at $652.87 billion.	27-12-2024	Click here
22	The Indian rupee's 2.34% depreciation against the US dollar from December 2023 to December 2024 is expected to increase India's import bill by about USD 15 billion. Gold and industrial goods imports from China, priced in USD, will be significantly affected, while a 5% drop in Brent crude prices mitigates some of the impact on oil imports.	27-12-2024	Click here
23	The government has imposed import restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke for six months from January 1 to June 30, 2025, according to a notification. The government has also imposed quantitative restrictions (QR) on the imports from certain countries, including Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UK.	26-12-2024	Click here
24	Exporters: Know when you can claim duty drawback and Rodtep benefits	24-12-2024	Click here
25	India extends duty-free import timeline for yellow peas until February 2025 to cool pulse prices. The duty on yellow peas was first implemented in 2017. India imports pulses primarily from Canada, Russia, Myanmar, Australia, and some African countries. Despite increased production, India's demand surpasses domestic supply.	24-12-2024	Click here
26	India prepares for trade talks with the returning Trump administration. The government consults with industry to identify key export priorities. Potential tariffs and the mini-trade deal are under consideration. India also explores strategies like IT export diversification and domestic manufacturing growth. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework trade pillar remains a point of contention.	23-12-2024	Click here
27	US Ambassador Eric Garcetti advocated for stronger US-India trade ties, emphasizing the need for lower tariffs and increased fairness. He lauded India's workforce and called for combining American resources with Indian ingenuity to achieve mutual ambitions.	20-12-2024	Click here
28	India is staring at upcoming trade challenges, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi said. The EU carbon tax and US policies may create barriers. These include non-tariff measures and potential tariff hikes. Reciprocity in trade will likely be a key factor, he added.	18-12-2024	Click here
29	India is poised to levy a temporary 25% tax on steel imports to counter inexpensive imports, primarily from China. Small manufacturers' initial opposition subsided after assurances of reduced steel prices from larger domestic producers. A government investigation into the impact of cheap imports is expected to conclude within a month, paving the way for the safeguard duty's implementation.	17-12-2024	Click here
30	India's merchandise trade deficit in November surged to a record $37.84 billion, up from $27.1 billion in October, according to government data. Exports grew by 2.17% year-on-year from April to November, but imports rose at a higher rate of 8.35%, contributing to the widening deficit.	16-12-2024	Click here
31	India's November imports of Russian crude oil plummeted to their lowest point since June 2022, despite Russia remaining India's primary supplier. This 55% drop coincided with a widening discount on Russian Urals crude. While Russia's overall fossil fuel revenues from India declined, China emerged as the largest buyer of Russian coal and crude.	15-12-2024	Click here
32	India and Britain will resume their talks on a free trade agreement by the end of January, Indian government sources told Reuters on Thursday	12-12-2024	Click here
33	India, EU Aiming For Balanced, Comprehensive And Mutually Beneficial Free Trade Agreement: Piyush Goyal	12-12-2024	Click here
34	Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has hinted that New Zealand may soon announce the start of long-anticipated trade deal negotiations with India.	06-12-2024	Click here
35	Sophie Primas, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France is scheduled to undertake a three-day visit to India starting on November 27, seeking to enhance ease of doing business and investment flows between both nations.	26-11-2024	Click here
36	India and the UK are set to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement early next year. The talks, stalled due to elections in both countries, aim to address remaining issues in goods and services trade. Both sides seek greater market access, with India focusing on skilled professionals and the UK targeting reduced tariffs on specific goods.	20-11-2024	Click here
37	Despite continuing wars and the Red Sea issue and India not taking any meaningful slice of the Bangladesh’s market, India’s garment exports are rising. Exporters attribute this to mainly to the depletion of stocks with the buyers and many economies doing better.	18-11-2024	Click here
38	Tariffs on India will lead to trade war: US Congressman-elect Subramanyam	18-11-2024	Click here
39	A new report by GTRI supports India's decision to opt out of RCEP, citing concerns over widening trade deficits, particularly with China. The study argues that RCEP could harm domestic industries, especially MSMEs, and offers limited export gains, outweighing potential benefits like GVC integration.	17-11-2024	Click here
40	India and Germany have a strategic partnership, with both nations maintaining close bilateral and trade ties since 2001. In 2023, the two nations signed the Work Plan 2023, focusing on global harmonization and sector-specific cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, circular economy, and smart farming. A recent survey reveals that nearly 60 percent of German businesses plan to increase investment in India in FY 2024–25, with 78 percent intending to boost investments over the next five years. Additionally, it has been reported that Germany plans to increase visa availability for skilled workers from India in the coming year.	14-11-2024	Click here
41	Indian and Kazakh business leaders convened at the India-Kazakhstan Business Conference in Astana to explore partnerships in electronics and engineering. Ambassador Prasad highlighted India's potential in these sectors, emphasizing opportunities in digital transformation, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. The conference aimed to boost bilateral trade and foster joint ventures between companies from both nations.	13-11-2024	Click here
42	UK businesses are making a big impact in India, generating over Rs 5 trillion in revenue and employing over half a million people. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to further boost this growth, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and technology. British investments are supporting India's economic development and sustainability goals.	13-11-2024	Click here
43	Indian automobile and consumer goods companies witnessed growth in exports. Overseas sales increased for companies like Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Auto and ITC. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers reported a 12% rise in passenger vehicle exports. Industry leaders are optimistic about the future of exports. Some companies are expanding manufacturing capacity to meet growing global demand.	07-11-2024	Click here
44	India's merchandise and service exports are predicted to exceed USD 800 billion this fiscal year, driven by government support and competitive products. Government initiatives like new industrial cities and the production-linked incentive scheme are boosting domestic manufacturing. Despite geopolitical challenges, Indian exporters are securing orders globally, with the government actively mitigating issues like the Red Sea crisis.	07-11-2024	Click here
45	India's export competitiveness has seen significant gains in multiple sectors over the past five years. Key sectors such as petroleum, gemstones, agrochemicals, and sugar have notably increased their share in global trade, with India becoming a leading exporter in several of these categories, according to commerce ministry data.	03-11-2024	Click here
46	India scraps export tax on parboiled rice to boost exports Bigger rice shipments from India would beef up overall global supplies and soften international prices	23-10-2024	Click here
47	India removes minimum export price on non-basmati white rice	23-10-2024	Click here
48	Indian exports recorded good growth of 4.86 per cent in the first half of 2024-2025, as per quick estimates released on October 16, with total exports (merchandise and services) rising from $375 billion in April-September 2023-2024 to $393.2 billion ...	22-10-2024	Click here
49	India’s finished steel imports surged 41.3 per cent to 4.7 million tonnes (mt) in the first half of this financial year compared to the same period last year. Country-wise data for the first five months show China continues to lead the pack with the largest share in total finished steel imports with 30.5 per cent.	20-10-2024	Click here
50	In the first six months of the current fiscal year, India's automobile exports increased by 14 per cent year-on-year. This growth was driven by higher shipments of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers. Key markets like Latin America and Africa have contributed to the rebound. Passenger vehicle exports rose 12 per cent, while two-wheeler exports increased 16 per cent.	20-10-2024	Click here
51	The vehicle exports from India bounced back in the first six month of the current financial year (FY25) compared to the same period last fiscal, with more than 2.52 million automobiles shipped abroad. The auto exports stood at 25,28,248 units in H1 FY25 (compared to 22,11,457 units in H1 FY24) — a 14 per cent jump.	20-10-2024	Click here
52	India’s import of lentils from key supplier Canada has been steady so far despite deepening diplomatic tensions between the two countries but traders are increasingly turning to Australia to diversify away from the north American producer.	18-10-2024	Click here
53	India mulls MEP removal on white rice exports amid stiff competition from Pakistan	18-10-2024	Click here
54	India's pharmaceutical and meditech exports continue to grow despite global economic slowdown, with robust double-digit growth. Government-backed drug development initiatives have 16 blockbuster molecules in the pipeline for cancer, diabetes, HIV, and more. The industry is also expanding in imaging devices, body implants, and diagnostics.	09-10-2024	Click here
55	Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticizes the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), calling it unilateral and arbitrary. CBAM, set to start in 2026, may harm India's exports in key sectors like steel and cement. Despite this, talks on an FTA with the EU are expected to continue.	09-10-2024	Click here
56	LDB has tracked over 75 million EXIM containers, signifying the impact of digitalization on India's logistics. Created by NLDS, it offers container visibility across various logistics nodes. This initiative has improved India's LPI ranking and receives over 45 lakh searches monthly, indicating its effectiveness.	03-10-2024	Click here
57	The NITI Aayog has embarked on a significant revamp of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) focused on law, order, and justice delivery, according to a report from The Financial Express. The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog has sought proposals from consultancy firms to support the evaluation of these schemes.	30-09-2024	Click here
58	The government has exempted non-basmati white rice from export duty and reduced the levy on parboiled rice to 10 per cent. The export duty on husked and paddy rice has also been lowered to 10 per cent. These changes, effective from September 27, 2024, aim to boost exports and enhance farmers' income	28-09-2024	Click here
59	The government imposed countervailing duties of 12-30 percent on steel imports from China and Vietnam last week, heeding steelmaker’s pleas to protect domestic producers from cheap imports. The move comes as Chinese steel imports to India surged 200 percent in the six months to June 30 from a year earlier, while Vietnamese shipments doubled, straining local producers of the alloy. Cheap imports have also undermined India’s steel export prospects.	17-09-2024	Click here
60	For a country like India which is a huge and diverse economy with different sectors and States at different stages of development, there can’t be a strict prescription for growth, says World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill. But the ‘infusion’ stage should not be generally skipped.	17-09-2024	Click here
61	The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, under the Startup India program, is a platform designed to centralize, streamline, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform India into a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the startup movement.	15-09-2024	#VALUE!
62	The government has extended incentives for exports through the courier medium, a move aimed at promoting shipments through e-commerce. This was informed in the meeting of Board of Trade (BoT) in Mumbai.	13-09-2024	Click here
63	India is revising FTAs with South Korea, Malaysia and various other Asean countries to benefit the domestic industries, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said	10-09-2024	Click here
64	A push by India to make more corn-based ethanol has turned Asia's top corn exporter into a net importer for the first time in decades, squeezing local poultry producers and scrambling global supply chains. The jump in import demand comes after India in January hiked the procurement price of ethanol made from corn to drive a shift away from sugarcane-based ethanol for blending in gasoline.	04-09-2024	Click here
65	Think tank GTRI has criticized the World Bank's suggestion for India to reconsider joining the RCEP, calling it based on flawed assumptions and outdated projections. GTRI argues that India's decision to stay out of RCEP was strategically sound, emphasizing the need for data-based analysis tailored to developing countries' specific challenges.	04-09-2024	Click here
66	The World Bank has raised its growth forecast for India's economy to 7 per cent for the current financial year (FY25), up from an earlier projection of 6.6 per cent, according to a statement released on Tuesday. This revision comes amid expectations of stronger economic performance, driven by key factors such as private consumption and investment.	03-09-2024	Click here
67	The deadline for reviewing the import management system for laptops and IT products is approaching. Companies have imported over USD 4 billion worth of these products this fiscal, primarily from China. The government issued authorisations last year to monitor imports without affecting supply, with the validity extending until September 30, 2024.	03-09-2024	Click here
68	India's trade ministry has advised imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imports from China. This recommendation follows a surge in Chinese shipments, which have claimed nearly a third of India's market despite sufficient local production. The proposed duty targets foil up to 80 microns thick, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers.	02-09-2024	Click here
69	The GTRI data analysis stated that China supplies 95.8 per cent of India's umbrellas and sun umbrellas (USD 31 million) and 91.9 per cent of artificial flowers and human hair articles (USD 14 million). Additionally, glassware (USD 521.7 million, 59.7 per cent), leather articles including saddlery and handbags (USD 120.9 million, 54.3 per cent), and toys (USD 120.2 million, 52.5 per cent) are seeing a similar trend, severely impacting domestic manufacturers	01-09-2024	Click here
70	India is considering raising import taxes on vegetable oils to help protect farmers reeling from lower oilseed prices	29-08-2024	Click here
71	Provisional LNG vessel tracking data from commodity market analytics firm Kpler shows that India imported 2.60 million tonnes (mt) of LNG in June, the highest in as many as 44 months.	27-08-2024	Click here
72	GST taxpayers who do not furnish bank account details to GST authorities will be barred from filing outward supply return GSTR-1 from September 1, GST Network (GSTN) has said in an advisory. As per GST Rule 10A, a taxpayer is required to furnish details of a valid bank account within a period of 30 days from the date of grant of registration, or before furnishing the details of outward supplies of goods or services or both in Form GSTR-1or using Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF), whichever is earlier.GST taxpayers who do not furnish bank account details to GST authorities will be barred from filing outward supply return GSTR-1 from September 1, GST Network (GSTN) has said in an advisory. As per GST Rule 10A, a taxpayer is required to furnish details of a valid bank account within a period of 30 days from the date of grant of registration, or before furnishing the details of outward supplies of goods or services or both in Form GSTR-1or using Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF), whichever is earlier.	27-08-2024	Click here
73	India and Australia engaged in their tenth round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement from August 19-22 in Sydney. Discussions focused on goods, services, digital trade, and other areas, with the aim of narrowing differences. The next round of talks will be held in November, according to the commerce ministry.	27-08-2024	Click here
74	India's textile industry was expected to reach USD 65 billion in exports by FY26, with the domestic market projected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030. Government incentives and a robust FDI outlined the growth plan. The industry provided jobs to millions and became a key player in technical textiles and PPE manufacturing. Competitive production costs and skilled labor further bolstered the sector.	24-08-2024	Click here
75	At the CII India Africa Business Conclave, Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has identified four potential sectors - automobiles, agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceutical and transportation and logistics- where the two sides can collaborate.	23-08-2024	Click here
76	India, Malaysia to trade in local currencies, elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership	22-08-2024	Click here
77	India's Commerce and Industry Minister, highlighted potential to double India-Africa trade to USD 200 billion in seven years. Key collaboration areas Goyal mentioned include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mining, and renewable energy. He urged increased participation in India's duty-free scheme and emphasized partnerships in IT, entertainment, and critical minerals, especially for the EV sector.	22-08-2024	Click here
78	Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has given four more months till Dec. to food business operators to exhaust all pre-printed packaging materials claiming "100% fruit juices" in their packaged juice products. The decision to extend the current deadline of Aug. 31 has been taken following consultations with stakeholders.	21-08-2024	Click here
79	India has allowed the export of 200,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Malaysia as per an August 20 notification, coinciding with the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit. Initially banned in July 2023, exports have now started to various countries under set conditions to address their food security needs.	21-08-2024	Click here
80	West Bengal Government approved the export of potatoes up to 2 lakh tonnes to other states in a week	20-08-2024	Click here
81	India has extended restrictions on exports of deoiled rice bran until Jan. 31.	19-08-2024	Click here
82	Indian exporters are worried about the Monkeypox outbreak in Africa, a key trading partner. Although the situation is currently under control, they fear possible disruptions. The WHO has renewed its declaration of the virus as a public health emergency. India and Africa aim to expand their bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2030.	19-08-2024	Click here
83	The government is reviewing the proposal for extending the interest equalisation scheme and a decision on it could be announced within a month or two	16-08-2024	Click here
84	Indian rice export prices declined further this week due to subdued demand and expectations of higher production in the new season as cultivation areas expanded. Top exporter India's 5 per cent broken parboiled variety was quoted at $536-$540 per metric ton, down from last week's $539-$545. India's discount to Thailand and Vietnam's prices has narrowed, leading to lower exports, said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house.	16-08-2024	Click here
85	India's exports of medicines have gained significant market share in the US, standing as the third-largest import source in 2023. With exports worth USD 9 billion, India's share rose to 13.1 per cent. The country also saw notable growth in antibiotics exports to Italy and MRI apparatus exports to Germany, reflecting efforts in boosting domestic manufacturing.	16-08-2024	Click here
86	India's electronic goods exports surged by 37.31 per cent in July, reaching USD 2.8 billion, reflecting growing global demand. From April to July 2024, electronic goods exports totaled USD 11.24 billion. Meat, dairy, and poultry exports also saw a substantial increase of 56.18 per cent. India's total exports in July were USD 62.42 billion, up 2.81% from last year. The government aims to achieve a full-year export target of USD 800 billion.	16-08-2024	Click here
87	India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $23.5 billion in July compared with $21 billion in the previous month, according to data released by the ministry of commerce on August 14. Country’s merchandise exports declined by 1.5 percent, and imports rose by 7.5 percent during July. The country exported $33.98 billion worth of goods, while it imported $57.48 billion.	14-08-2024	Click here
88	India has agreed to New Zealand’s request to reduce the 30% import duty on Kiwi fruit. New Zealand has also opened its market to fresh pomegranate seeds, bananas, and Indian mangoes.	14-08-2024	Click here
89	India’s onion exports fell over 50 percent in June, hindered by a minimum export price of $550 per tonne and a 40 percent export duty, making Indian onions costlier than competitors. Exporters are pushing for the removal of these policies, arguing that domestic supply is ample. Up to July 2024, 2.	12-08-2024	Click here
90	Last year, the 14 IPEF nations inked a supply chain resilience agreement to reduce dependence on China and shift production of critical sectors and key goods to member countries. The IPEF includes India, Australia, the US, Japan, Fiji, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, representing 40% of global gross domestic product and 28% of the global trade in goods and services.	12-08-2024	Click here
91	Germany’s new Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) may add to the difficulties faced by India's steel industry. Categorizing steel by emission levels, LESS could damage exports and create negative perceptions. GTRI advised Indian firms to adopt low-carbon technologies and obtain LESS certification to improve sustainability and market access.	12-08-2024	Click here
92	Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday suggested the seven member countries of the Bimstec bloc to relook at the progress of Free Trade Agreement talks which are moving at a very slow pace.	08-08-2024	Click here
93	India's garment sector could see a 10-20% rise in export orders in the next 18 months amid Bangladesh's political unrest. This could bolster apparel exports by $2-3 billion annually. Exporters emphasize preparedness for potential trade shifts, especially with Bangladesh's expected LDC status change by 2027. Tiruppur anticipates a 10% order increase.	08-08-2024	Click here
94	S&P Global Ratings, Director, Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings (Asia-Pacific), Andrew Wood said that S&P expects domestic demand conditions in Bangladesh in this period of time to be weak and probably going to entail less support for exports from other countries, including India, into Bangladesh.	07-08-2024	Click here
95	The government on Tuesday said it is developing a trade connect e-platform to connect exporters, MSMEs and entrepreneurs with various stakeholders including Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils, and other partner government agencies. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that the platform will provide information on trade events taking place in different parts of the world, benefits available due to India's free trade agreements (FTAs) and other international trade-related information and data.	07-08-2024	Click here
96	April-June 2024-25 (FY25) was the fifth quarter when India’s import of electronic goods topped $20 billion. Electronic components and computer hardware accounted for more than half the electronic goods import in the June quarter as against 46 per cent before the pandemic.	07-08-2024	Click here
97	Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is working on a new shipbuilding scheme, which would incentivise Indian shipyards till 2035 by various measures, a senior government official has said. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary T K Ramachandran further said with the new policy, India will endeavour to be among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047, from 22nd in the world at present.	06-08-2024	Click here
98	As India's organic food exports reached approximately $495 million in FY24, the stakeholders need to work on five key areas to further boost the country's share in the organic export market, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. These five important areas are: Certification and testing, labelling, packaging, branding and logistics.	06-08-2024	Click here
99	The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) had organized a Startup Conclave titled SUFALAM (Startup Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) on 13-14 February, 2024 at New Delhi to promote Startups in the food processing sector. The event had knowledge session, panel discussion, networking & pitching session along with exhibition showcasing novel products from the startups.	06-08-2024	Click here
100	Agriculture is at the centre of economic policymaking, says PM Modi at Global Agri Economists Meet	06-08-2024	Click here
101	Reforms in customs and banking rules, access to credit, and incentives at par with China are essential for India to boost its e-commerce exports to USD 350 billion by 2030, according to a report by the think tank GTRI. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) emphasized the need for separate regulations and ecosystems to support two types of e-commerce exports: direct export and overseas warehouse models.	05-08-2024	Click here
102	Indo-Bangladesh trade has effectively halted due to unrest in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation on Monday. A three-day trade holiday, excluding essential services, was announced by the Bangladesh government, disrupting export and import activities at land ports.	05-08-2024	Click here
103	India is seeking customs duty concessions on goods such as cars, commercial vehicles, and machinery from Sri Lanka under a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). The 14th round of talks between senior officials of India and Sri Lanka concluded in Colombo, focusing on rules of origin, goods, services, and technical barriers for trade. Sri Lanka has also requested removal of a quota on apparel exports to India, duty concessions on tea, and certain agricultural commodities.	05-08-2024	Click here
104	The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has restored a concessional 10% import duty on chemicals imported for lab use by modifying a duty hike announced in the Union budget for FY25 to prevent tax evasion, an official order showed.	02-08-2024	Click here
105	India has announced two additional ports for the export of essential commodities from India to the Maldives for the financial year of 2024-25. The two new ports announced are namely: Kandla Sea (INIXY1) and Vishakhapatnam Sea (INYTZ1).	02-08-2024	Click here
106	Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru on Wednesday announced the successful conclusion of another exceptional mango export season, solidifying its reputation as a key player in the agricultural export industry. The Bengaluru airport shipped a staggering 822 metric tonnes (MT) of mangoes in 2024, marking a phenomenal 20 percent year-on-year growth.	02-08-2024	Click here
107	Self-sufficiency, stronger currency, fundamentals would help India become $55-trillion economy by 2047: Piyush Goyal	01-08-2024	Click here
108	Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for exploring a free trade agreement with India during his visit to New Delhi. Speaking at the Vietnam-India Business Forum, he emphasized the goal of increasing bilateral trade to USD 20 billion and urged Indian businesses to invest more in Vietnam, particularly in strategic infrastructure areas.	01-08-2024	Click here
109	Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement helped trade between UAE, India increase by 15%	01-08-2024	Click here
110	The Supreme Court requested responses on a plea by Rika Global Impex Ltd. challenging bans on exporting non-basmati white rice. The court will examine claims that notifying restrictions opposed public interest and breached Foreign Trade Policy. The petitioner seeks to annul the notifications and gain export approval for previously acquired rice stock.	01-08-2024	Click here
111	To make it easier for exporters to do business, the government has simplified the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme which allows import of capital goods at zero customs duty against an obligation to export.	30-07-2024	Click here
112	he government on Monday allowed the export of 1,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Namibia. In a notification, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said that exports are allowed through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).	29-07-2024	Click here
113	Indian textile exports have increased 4.15% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, driven by rising demand from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and South Asian markets. According to the latest data from the commerce ministry, textile exports grew to $8.78 billion in the first quarter of FY25 compared to $8.43 billion in the same period last year.	27-07-2024	Click here
114	India has revamped customs duties to support domestic manufacturing and align with global value chains. Changes include adjustments for mobile phones, electronics, precious metals, critical minerals, and more. The aim is to promote local value addition and boost export competitiveness.	25-07-2024	Click here
115	The decision to cut "too high" import duty on gold will help in containing smuggling and boost the country's exports of gems and jewellery, CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said on Wednesday. In the last financial year, seizures of gold made by Customs formation and the DRI together were around 4.8 tonnes, up from 3.5 tonnes in 2022-23.	25-07-2024	Click here
116	Various inputs used in the manufacture of shrimp and fish feed will now enjoy customs duty exemptions, MPEDA said, adding a number of feed inputs such as mineral and vitamin pre-mixes, krill meal, fish lipid oil, crude fish oil, algal prime, algal oil are fully exempted from any import duty.	25-07-2024	Click here
117	India has ended its silver and platinum imports from the UAE due to removal of concessionary duties, as per a recent trade agreement. The cessation follows New Delhi's decision to reduce import taxes, diminishing the duty arbitrage bullion dealers had been exploiting. On Tuesday, the world's second-largest bullion consumer cut import duties on gold and silver from 15% to 6%.	25-07-2024	Click here
118	India-Bangladesh trade via land ports halted due to protests, a two-day holiday, and unrest. BSF evacuated students. Over 700 trucks with general merchandise wait in Petrapole, South Asia's largest port, impacted by unrest in North 24 Parganas. Mahadipur, Gojadanga, Fulbari affected. Economic factors and monsoon also impacted trade.	23-07-2024	Click here
119	India’s economy is shifting with global supply chains favoring it. Mobile phone exports rose 40.5% in FY24. PLI schemes boosted toys and footwear. Toy exports turned India from net importer to surplus, reducing imports. Footwear, smartphone, and defence exports grew. Economic Survey 2023-24 data confirms these changes.	23-07-2024	Click here
120	Indian exporters are adding more geographies to promote their outbound shipments and tide over the problems emerging due to global uncertainties caused by geopolitical tensions, the Economic Survey 2023-24 said. Amidst the prevailing geopolitical dynamics, India is expected to benefit from its strong trade relations across countries, it said.	23-07-2024	Click here
121	India is seeking significant duty cuts in a large swathe of its exports to South Korea as it launches into a review of its free trade agreement with the Asian economic powerhouse. India wants tariff cuts in agricultural products, textile & apparel, pharmaceuticals, electronics and petrochemicals goods, among others, while South Korea has demanded better mobility access for its professionals.	19-07-2024	Click here
122	India and the EU will hold the next round of talks for a free trade agreement in September.	19-07-2024	Click here
123	Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for increased collaborations among trusted partner countries to ensure smooth supply of critical minerals, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and green energy. He stressed the importance of analyzing global supply chains' resilience during crises like the pandemic, Ukraine-Russia conflict, and Red Sea crisis.	19-07-2024	Click here
124	India is considering reducing the floor price for basmati rice exports and replacing the 20% export tax on parboiled rice with a fixed duty to address record-high rice inventories. This move aims to boost shipments and compete with Pakistan, the other leading basmati rice exporter. The government may also introduce a minimum export tax to prevent under-invoicing and review the ban on non-basmati white rice exports, depending on rice planting progress.	19-07-2024	Click here
125	Malaysia has urged India to ease export restrictions on key farm goods such as rice and sugar. Malaysia's Minister for Plantation and Commodities, Johari Bin Abdul Ghani, highlighted the negative impact of India's abrupt export curbs on Malaysia during an industry conference in New Delhi.	19-07-2024	Click here
126	Steps recommended by the think tank GTRI to boost trade between India and Russia include increasing exports, implementing local currency trading, and pursuing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Despite a growing trade deficit, India benefits from favorable crude oil deals with Russia. The impact of the Ukraine war and US sanctions has reshaped the trade relationship, prompting a push for a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.	19-07-2024	Click here
127	Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajon at the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Italy. They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in investments, start-ups, and energy. Minister Goyal also met with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and German Minister for Economic Affairs & Climate Action to strengthen economic relations. The visit aims to showcase India's trade and investment opportunities to the world.	18-07-2024	Click here
128	The central government has extended the exemption of a particular kind of inspection certificate that was needed for rice exports, both basmati and non-basmati, to certain European nations by another six months. India banned the export of rice in July 2023 to control inflation and secure food security. However, some exports, in limited quantities, were allowed later, subject to laid-out conditions.	17-07-2024	Click here
129	India will review the tariff concessions granted to ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, which allow zero-tariff imports of mobile phone components, the first first person said. By reviewing these tariff concessions, India can potentially protect and encourage the growth of its domestic industries.	10-07-2024	Click here
130	FSSAI has approved a proposal to display nutritional information regarding total sugar, salt and saturated fat in bold letters and relatively increased font size on labels of packaged food items.	9-7-2024	Click here
131	150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP): Ministry of Agriculture	9-7-2024	Click here
132	A 10-member delegation from the Ministry of Shipping, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh, led by S.M. Mostafa Kamal, Joint Secretary (Shipping), and Sheikh Saleh Ahammed, Joint Secretary (Home Affairs), visited Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) on Monday, July 8. The visit is part of Bangladesh’s efforts to explore export-import (EXIM) trade opportunities with India, particularly along the Eastern Coast. The delegation focussed on evaluating the commercial and technical viability of the eastern ports to enhance trade benefits for both countries.	9-7-2024	Click here
133	Proposal to set up banana cluster in Jalgaon for export: APEDA	9-7-2024	Click here
134	Exports of mangoes from West Bengal's Malda district have been hit this year as exporters have failed to secure remunerative prices from overseas buyers, while sellers are getting lucrative prices in the domestic market, officials said on Saturday. Importers from the UK and the UAE had initially shown interest, which could not materialise in shipments due to price disagreements, they said.	9-7-2024	Click here
135	Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the two leaders agreed to work towards an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK free trade agreement, a statement said. Modi congratulated him on assuming charge and a remarkable victory of his Labour Party in the election.	9-7-2024	Click here
136	India's coal imports increased by 5.3% to 52.29 million tonnes in April-May FY24, compared to the previous year. However, May imports dropped slightly to 26.19 MT from 26.57 MT last year. Despite potential import demand slowing due to monsoons and rising coking coal prices, domestic production remains robust.	9-7-2024	Click here
137	Senior officials of India and the UK will hold talks this month to finalise the proposed free trade agreement, as the new government in Britain aims to resolve pending issues and conclude negotiations. The talks, which began in January 2022, were stalled during the countries' general election cycles. Both sides are working towards a mutually beneficial FTA, addressing issues in goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights.	9-7-2024	Click here
138	India, top rice exporter, might ease export limits before October's crop. Plans include fixed duties on white rice and removing the 20% tax on parboiled rice to reduce Asian prices, aiding West Africa and Middle East. Monsoon rains boosted sowing recovery, increasing acreage. Data indicate increased sowing for the main rice crop since 2023.	9-7-2024	Click here
139	"Indian meat exporters have a significant opportunity to increase their share in overall meat export to Egypt, even to 100 per cent from the current 75-80 per cent, the ambassador of Egypt to India"	6-7-2024	Click here
140	Bangladesh To Use More Indian Ports For Third Country Exports The focus will be on ports of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, and Haldia and Kolkata in West Bengal.	4-7-2024	Click here
141	IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas stated that India could benefit from global tariff actions against China, noting India's significant FDI inflows since 2020.	4-7-2024	Click here
142	India aims to clock $2 trillion goods and services exports by 2030 amid the Red Sea crisis and two ongoing wars. Ecommerce exports are growing rapidly and those done through the postal and courier routes are pegged at $1.5 billion.	4-7-2024	Click here
143	India has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese lift guide rails. The move comes after a complaint from a domestic company, and aims to safeguard local industry from low-cost imports.	3-7-2024	Click here
144	India and Australia are looking at ways to increase cooperation in critical minerals and their processing besides battery production.	1-7-2024	Click here
145	The commerce ministry is developing a platform for registering non-tariff barriers (NTBs) faced by exporters and taking up with the concerned countries for their resolution.	1-7-2024	Click here
146	India has capped wheat stock limits for retailers and processors and may reduce or eliminate import taxes to stabilize prices, said Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. This move aims to curb inflation and manage supply, as the government explores various measures to ensure wheat price stability in the market.	26-06-2024	Click here
147	The Philippines, one of the world's largest rice buyers and biggest importers of the Vietnamese grain, officially announced a reduction in rice import taxes from 35% to 15%, effective in early August this year and lasting until 2028.SC) certificate to the local clam farming sector.	26-06-2024	Click here
148	After launching fresh milk in the US, Amul will soon spread its wings to neighbouring Canada.	26-06-2024	Click here
149	Exporters are set to discuss fiscal support measures with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday aiming to boost India's exports to USD 2 trillion by 2030. This goal encompasses both goods and services, reflecting a marked increase from the current USD 778 billion in 2023-24.	26-06-2024	Click here
150	India has supported a crucial proposal made by the African Group at the WTO for recalibration of multilateral rules, such as those on subsidies and investments, to allow developing countries to have the policy space to pursue green industrialisation.	26-06-2024	Click here
151	New bagging technique boosts mango production in Prayagraj; fruits now meet international standards, sold in UAE and Oman, increasing farmers' earnings.	26-06-2024	Click here
152	The talks between India and Korea on the review of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) have made significant headway, with both sides exchanging the list of ‘requests’ where they want further opening up of trade. From the Korean side the demand has come in regard to sectors like automobiles, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals while India is seeking greater access to the Korean markets for steel, rice, shrimp and clothing.	26-06-2024	Click here
153	India, UAE discuss collaboration on trans-regional trade routes.	26-06-2024	Click here
154	The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the extension of countervailing duties on welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from China and Vietnam to protect domestic players, citing the risk of harm to the local industry if the duty is lifted, proposing a duty of up to 29.88%.	26-06-2024	Click here
155	Indian buyers purchased a record 500,000 metric tons of sunflower oil in June due to competitive pricing against soyoil and palm oil from leading suppliers Russia and Ukraine. The war has lead to reduced inventories in the Black Sea region. The lower prices for sunflower oil were attributed to aggressive competition from Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina, with sunflower oil trading at a discount to soyoil and palm oil, prompting Indian buyers to pivot towards sunflower oil amidst robust demand in southern states.	26-06-2024	Click here
156	Australian Deputy High Commissioner Nicholas McCaffrey on Tuesday said his country is currently engaged in discussions with the Indian government to establish a comprehensive free trade agreement between the two nations. Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, McCaffrey highlighted that while there is an existing Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) with India, signed in 2022, Australia aims to upgrade this pact to enhance its scope and impact.	26-06-2024	Click here
157	The Indian government has approved the export of 2,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Malawi and Zimbabwe through the National Cooperative Exports Limited, despite a ban on such exports since July 2023 to boost domestic supply. The move aims to meet the food security needs of the two African nations.	24-06-2024	Click here
158	The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced a new automated system to establish adhoc input-output norms, aimed at facilitating foreign trade procedures. This initiative allows exporters to import duty-free raw materials for manufacturing goods meant for export under advance authorisation. Exporters can now apply for customized adhoc norms through a rule-based, automated process if standard norms do not meet their specific requirements.	24-06-2024	Click here
159	India's oil imports from Russia hit a record high of 2.1 million bpd in May as discounts widened due to lower demand from China. Some European nations avoided Russian oil after the Ukraine invasion, making Russian oil cheaper than similar grades from the Middle East.	24-06-2024	Click here
160	India's e-commerce exports are set to receive a boost with the establishment of designated e-commerce hubs by DGFT and the Department of Revenue to streamline the export process.	24-06-2024	Click here
161	India and Korea are progressing with talks to upgrade their existing free trade agreement (FTA), known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Department of Commerce is collaborating with various ministries such as heavy industries, steel, and chemicals to prepare the offer list for the negotiations	24-06-2024	Click here
162	Kolkata port-Shanghai direct cargo service begins.	11-6-2024	Click here
163	Much of international diplomacy involves walking on eggshells. Major differences, especially on trade and commerce, are often allowed to hibernate while countries focus on the big picture of bilateral ties. Bold leaps of statecraft are sometimes needed to help industry on both sides to settle such trade frictions. Quite remarkably, India and the U.S. have managed to do exactly that in just under a year, burying differences in the seven-long outstanding trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO).	11-6-2024	Click here
164	The US and 13 nations in Asia signed agreements on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, part of Biden's strategy to counter China's influence. The pact includes major economies like Japan, India, and South Korea, focusing on renewable energy, climate change, taxation, corruption, and supply-chain management.	11-6-2024	Click here
165	Indian traders have been engaging in border trade with China through the Lipulekh pass in Pithoragarh district since 1992. They are now urging the central government to address the closure of the trade route due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. The traders are concerned about their stored goods in Tibet and seek the resumption of trade.	11-6-2024	Click here
166	The BRICS ministers of Foreign Affairs met in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod on Monday and held a plethora of discussions, including an important one on the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions between the BRICS countries.	11-6-2024	Click here
167	The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered beverage companies to remove claims of “100 per cent fruit juice” from labels as well as advertisements of reconstituted fruit juice products from immediate effect.	5-6-2024	Click here
168	India's May palm oil imports reach 4-month high on price drop-dealers.	5-6-2024	Click here
169	Treasury opens gates for duty-free imports of rice in Kenya	5-6-2024	Click here
170	The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), recently introduced its new logo for organic foods. This move by FSSAI will help consumers to correctly identify authentic food. This new logo has been designed to specify the standards of organic and non-organic foods. Now, organic food products cannot be sold without this new logo.	3-6-2024	Click here
171	Netherlands emerges as India's 3rd largest export destination in 2023-24	3-6-2024	Click here
172	The FSSAI has started works for integration of all food related regulations in India aiming at strengthening of 'ease of doing business'. The process was started with packaged drinking water.	3-6-2024	Click here
173	The DGFT has sought information from various export bodies on the trade finance eco system in India and related challenges to assess if the government’s interest equalisation scheme for exporters is yielding results and how trade finance can be improved.	3-6-2024	Click here
174	The trade pacts with Australia and the UAE seem to be working in India’s favour as the trade deficit with both countries in FY24 declined vis-à-vis previous year. With Australia, the trade deficit fell to $8 billion from $12 billion in the previous year. With the UAE, India’s trade deficit fell to $12.4 billion from $21 billion in last year.	3-6-2024	Click here
175	Food safety watchdog FSSAI is planning to set new quality standards for ice-cream and flavoured milk besides tightening the existing safety norms for milk and other dairy products. The proposal comes after ban on import of Chinese milk and milk products last month due to presence of melamine for one year till June, 2016, following a recommendation from FSSAI.	31-05-2024	Click here
176	India is set to resume wheat imports after a six-year hiatus to replenish dwindling reserves and stabilize soaring prices caused by poor harvests. The government is expected to scrap the 40% import tax post-election, allowing private traders to source from top exporter Russia.	31-05-2024	Click here
177	India’s exports of 266 million dollars in 2023-24 to the remote Honduras in Central America are more than the exports of 185 m to nearby Cambodia and 237 m to Kazakhstan.	31-05-2024	Click here
178	The commerce ministry recently conducted a 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan's Neemrana to discuss issues related to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)	31-05-2024	Click here
179	India's silver imports in the first four months of 2024 have surpassed the total for all of 2023, driven by rising solar panel demand and investor interest. The country imported a record 4,172 metric tons, up from 455 tons a year ago. This surge supports global prices and outperforms gold.	31-05-2024	Click here
180	The United Arab Emirates is looking to expand the scope of trade and services covered under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India to further accelerate bilateral trading volume, a senior UAE official said. India and the UAE signed the historic CEPA on February 18, 2022, to further boost bilateral trade and economic ties.	31-05-2024	Click here
181	India’s concerns on the EU’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), that would restrict exports of several items to the bloc from this year-end (December 30 2024), have been shared by a number of other WTO members who all asked for its postponement at a recent meeting in Geneva, sources said.	28-05-2024	Click here
182	India's coffee exports increased by 12.22% to USD 1.28 billion in 2023-24 due to higher demand for Robusta coffee in global markets. The country, Asia's third-largest coffee producer, exports Arabica and Robusta varieties. Coffee shipments increased by 13.35% to 1,25,631 tonnes during January-March 2023-24	28-05-2024	Click here
183	A group of WTO member countries, including Brazil, Canada and the European Union, have urged India to submit timely notifications on sugar subsidies in the World Trade Organisation	28-05-2024	Click here
184	India has recorded a trade deficit, the difference between imports and exports, with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China, Russia, Singapore, and Korea, in 2023-24	28-05-2024	Click here
185	Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the resulting international sanctions have significantly impacted India's export landscape. Over the past financial year, India saw a substantial increase in the export of engineering goods, machinery, machine parts, and aircraft spares to Russia, while traditional exports such as pharmaceuticals, tea, coffee, and tobacco either stagnated or declined	28-05-2024	Click here
186	Exports of marine products contracted by 8.74 per cent to USD 7.37 billion during 2023-24 due to demand slowdown in key markets of the US and Europe, according to the commerce ministry data.	28-05-2024	Click here
187	Avocados Australia Limited, the representative body for the Australian avocado industry, announced its much-anticipated entry into the Indian market, accompanied by cricket icon Brett Lee as the brand ambassador. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Australian avocados and the Indian fresh fruit market.	14-05-2024	Click here
188	Exports of soyabean meal has picked up on higher demand from countries such as Bangladesh and Iran among others. Shipments were up by around 8.8 per cent during the October-April period of oil year 2023-24 at around 15.23 lakh tonnes over same period last year’s 14 lakh tonnes, as per the latest estimates by the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA).	14-05-2024	Click here
189	India will remain a leading player in the world rice market despite restrictions, according to a recent projection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It accounts for almost 18 million tonnes of rice exports in 2024-25, which is around two million tonnes more than the previous year.	14-05-2024	Click here
190	The next round of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the 10-nation bloc of Southeast Asian nations—Asean—is scheduled to be held in July to review the existing deal with India	14-05-2024	Click here
191	India-EU FTA 'most difficult, complex' due to non-trade issues: EAM Jaishankar	14-05-2024	Click here
192	According to data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India's imports from countries with which it has free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the UAE, South Korea, and Australia, increased by about 38% during the fiscal years 2019-24, reaching USD 187.92 billion. In contrast, exports to FTA partners rose by 14.48% to USD 122.72 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24 from USD 107.20 billion in 2018-19.	14-05-2024	Click here
193	The government is developing a verification system for exporters under the RODTEP scheme to ensure compliance with countervailing duties. This system will involve a joint mechanism with DGFT, DGTR, and DoR officials to check subsidy allegations on Indian products.	14-05-2024	Click here
194	India Maldives hold talks to enhance trade cooperation	2-5-2024	Click here
195	India and Nigeria have agreed to conclude a local currency settlement system agreement to strengthen economic ties. The agreement, signed during a joint session of the India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee, aims to promote the use of the Indian Rupee and Nigerian Naira for cross-border transactions. The agreement will enhance bilateral trade and mutually beneficial investments in sectors such as crude oil, natural gas, pharmaceuticals, power, renewable energy, agriculture, education, transport, ra ..	2-5-2024	Click here
196	India aims to boost exports through e-commerce hubs. Collaboration with ministries and industry experts to enhance export opportunities. E-commerce expected to drive India's merchandise exports to USD 1 trillion by 2030.	2-5-2024	Click here
197	India's imports of electronics, telecom, and electrical products surged to USD 89.8 billion in 2023-24, with over half of these imports coming from China and Hong Kong, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).	2-5-2024	Click here
198	Delegates from Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal Explore Millet Innovations at ICAR-NAARM's a-IDEA	30-04-2024	Click here
199	The government of India has permitted the export of 99,150 metric tons of onions to six neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. This decision follows the imposition of restrictions on onion exports to maintain sufficient domestic supply, given projections of reduced Kharif and Rabi crops for 2023-24 and heightened international demand.	30-04-2024	Click here
200	FIEO warns of geopolitical tension impact on 2024-25 exports due to global demand. Outbound shipments fell by 3.11% in 2023-24, imports over 8% to USD 677.24 billion. Key factors include freight rates, inflation, and interest rates.	30-04-2024	Click here
201	Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan aim to bolster transit infrastructure, connecting with India via Iran's Chabahar Port.	30-04-2024	Click here
202	U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor and representatives from the poultry, feed and grain industries are in New Delhi, India, to launch a USDA-sponsored agribusiness trade mission.	24-04-2024	Click here
203	Noting a year-on-year growth in exports of Indian alcoholic beverages, the Union Commerce Ministry has said that high-end Indian alcohol brands are witnessing good sales as well as winning awards globally despite facing issues of definition and nomenclature.	24-04-2024	Click here
204	India sees no major impact of Iran-Israel conflict on its exports, official says	24-04-2024	Click here
205	Centre is preparing a five-year action plan to grab 10% of the $405 billion exports market of 20 farm produce	24-04-2024	Click here
206	Spices Board of India is looking into the ban imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of four spices-mix products of Indian brands MDH and Everest, which allegedly contain pesticide 'ethylene oxide' beyond permissible limits.	24-04-2024	Click here
207	Heightened tensions between Iran and Israel are expected to increase freight charges and insurance premiums for shipping vessels on global routes. Ships bound for western European countries and the US are particularly at risk. Freight rates have already risen by about $100 per container for ships going through the Red Sea due to disruptions and capacity constraints.	24-04-2024	Click here
208	Exports of Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) have risen by eight times in the last six years with the herb reaching overseas markets like the United States, Czech Republic and Canada. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have emerged leading producers	16-04-2024	Click here
209	India is diversifying its import of pulses to keep domestic prices stable by entering into long-term deals with Brazil and Argentina after several rounds of negotiations	16-04-2024	Click here
210	The government has rejected sugar export possibility for the current season despite industry demand. Indian Sugar Mills Association seeks to export 10 lakh tonnes, citing healthy closing stock. Sugar production exceeded 30 million tonnes and ISMA has revised estimate to 32 million tonnes. Government may allow use of excess B-heavy molasses for ethanol production.	16-04-2024	Click here
211	India will take a policy decision to mitigate trade impact from Iran-Israel conflict after understanding the consequences. India, a large oil importer, imports significant amount of crude from the Middle East. Oil prices dropped with market downplaying broader regional conflict risk after Iran's attack on Israel.	16-04-2024	Click here
212	India on Tuesday has imposed fresh restrictions on the export of prohibited or restricted essential commodities to Maldives. According to the notification from the DGFT, these commodities will only be permitted for export through four designated customs stations - Mundra Sea Port, Tuticorin Sea Port, Nhava Sheva Sea Port (JNPT), and ICD Tughlakabad.	16-04-2024	Click here
213	Indian exporters of basmati rice and tea are worried following Iran's attack on Israel, fearing it could impact outward shipment of the two commodities, even as edible oil importers said sunflower oil prices could start to rise.	15-04-2024	Click here
214	India's pharma exports to the US have surged 15% in the first 11 months of the last financial year despite regulatory challenges and rising pricing pressures. The pace of exports has more than doubled from the 6.18% growth in the same period of FY23, according to estimates by Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil).	15-04-2024	Click here
215	Exporters anticipate 10-15% rise in air freight to Europe post Iran's attack. Red Sea crisis diverts cargo to air, inflating costs. Longer routes cause delays and impact engineering exports. Kolkata exporter expects 30-35% reduction in new project exports.	15-04-2024	Click here
216	India has simplified the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar, requiring them to use the Rupee/Kyat direct payment system through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) through the Punjab National Bank. The Indian Mission informed the ministry that the Rupee/Kyat Settlement Mechanism was operationalised from January 25 to simplify trade transactions and make them more efficient.	13-04-2024	Click here
217	The Maldives is currently discussing with India if the island nation can make payments for its imports from the country in Maldivian Rufiyaa, a senior minister has said.	12-4-2024	Click here
218	The government has said imports of melon seeds are permitted without any restrictions from May 1 to June 30 on an actual user basis to eligible processors of this commodity only, according to a notification. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said that the imports will be permitted only against a valid FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) manufacturer license for melon seeds.	8-4-2024	Click here
219	Nepal has proposed a customs agreement with India that will enable exchange of information which could help in preventing and reducing customs related offences across the border.	8-4-2024	Click here
220	Manipur's aromatic black rice, 'Chak-hao', is gaining popularity and is all set to be exported to Europe. This unique rice variety has seen a rise in demand, with plans underway to export up to 20 MT to Europe.	7-4-2024	Click here
221	India’s National Cooperative Export Ltd, jointly owned by India’s five top cooperative organisations, will export 1,600 tonnes of white rice to Singapore following successful negotiations with the island nation’s aggregator.	9-4-2024	Click here
222	In February, China and India remained primary destinations for Russian seaborne fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) exports, as they sought alternatives to crude oil. Russia redirected most of its fuel oil and VGO to Asia following the EU's oil embargo. Seaborne exports to India and China increased, while shipments to Turkey declined.	10-4-2024	Click here
223	India has lifted export restrictions on nine products, including potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, and sugar, to the Maldives for the current fiscal year. This move, under a bilateral trade agreement, exempts these exports from any existing or future restrictions/prohibitions. The specified quantities allowed include items like potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate, and river sand. This decision aims to strengthen trade ties between India and the Maldives.	5-4-2024	Click here
224	India is considering allowing duty-free imports of yellow peas for another month, until May, to drive down prices while bridging the demand-supply gap tur (pigeon pea) and chana (gram).	3-4-2024	Click here
225	The Indian government is rapidly implementing a comprehensive strategy to make the landlocked northeastern region an export hub for markets in Bangladesh and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations even as it negotiates a better free trade deal with the 10-nation Asean block.	4-4-2024	Click here
226	With an export ban in place on rice and wheat, the union commerce ministry has shifted its focus to exports of agricultural products including fresh fruit and vegetables to new destinations, including the US, European Union and African countries.	3-4-2024	Click here
227	India has initiated an anti-dumping probe into the import of a chemical used in the rubber industry from China and Japan following a complaint by a domestic player. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is probing the alleged dumping of 'Insoluble Sulphur'.	1-4-2024	Click here
228	India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has highlighted the government's concern over the ban on Russian-origin unpolished diamonds by the EU and G7 nations, which could adversely affect the domestic diamond polishing industry, particularly in Surat, Gujarat. Jaishankar emphasized efforts to delay, soften, or prevent the ban altogether, considering it a priority issue.	1-4-2024	Click here
229	The Indian government has permitted the export of Kala Namak rice, a premium non-basmati variety from Uttar Pradesh, up to a total quantity of 1,000 metric tonnes. This marks a significant change as exports of this rice were previously prohibited. The certification authority for Kala Namak rice and its quantity will be the Director of Agriculture Marketing & Foreign Trade in Lucknow.	2-4-2024	Click here
230	Indian shrimp exporters prioritize quality and safety, aiming to boost exports to Rs one lakh crore. Strict regulations and audits ensure adherence to world-class standards for supplying marine products to developed markets.	3-4-2024	Click here
231	India has authorized an extra 10,000 tonnes of onion exports to the UAE through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), as stated in a notification by the DGFT.	3-4-2024	Click here
232	Russian oil shipments to India are proceeding "in full" and there are no problems with payment, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said recently. Industry sources have said shipments of Russian crude oil to India were delayed by payment problems at the end of last year. Zakharova told reporters it was a priority to make payments in national currencies so as not to depend on the West.	3-4-2024	Click here
233	India’s import of frozen duck meat from the US will likely increase by 80 per cent in 2024 compared with 2021 with the Customs duty being reduced to 5 per cent, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has said.	29-03-2024	Click here
234	Commerce ministry's SCOMET policy allows bulk licences for telecommunication and info security items. DGFT outlines the detailed application procedure, including online submission through SCOMET portal with specified information and technologies.	27-03-2024	Click here
235	The government has issued a new policy for the export of certain telecom and information security-related items. Under this policy, one-time bulk licenses will be granted for these items under the SCOMET category. Exporters will need to apply for a license through the online SCOMET portal and follow the prescribed format. The policy aims to simplify and liberalize the export process for these items, with licenses valid for three years.	27-03-2024	Click here
236	Pakistan recently clarified that it has no plan to resume trade relations with India which has been "non-existent" since 2019 after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.	28-03-2024	Click here
237	India's rice export prices increased this week due to higher duty on rice shipments, while Thailand's demand remained low. The government imposed a 20% export duty on parboiled rice exports in August 2023 to control domestic rice prices. The customs department has demanded payment of duty differentials on rice exported in the last 18 months, which could cripple rice shipments from India.	28-03-2024	Click here
238	The implementation of initiatives such as Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) and the Make in India campaign has fueled remarkable growth, particularly in electronics. Noteworthy is the surge in smartphone exports, projected to escalate by 30 per cent over the previous year, potentially crossing the USD 15 billion mark in FY2024.	31-03-2024	Click here
239	Indian exporters have urged the government to exempt them from the 45-day payment rule for goods bought from micro and small enterprises (MSEs) as it will impact their businesses. The new rule, Section 43B(h) of the Income Tax Act, introduced in the Finance Act 2023, is designed to make sure small businesses get paid on time. It allows companies to get tax breaks if they pay their small business suppliers within the time limits set by the MSMED (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development) Act, 2006.	31-03-2024	Click here
240	China continues to expand its agricultural and food product market access, fostering a globally shared market and generating new development opportunities for the world. As part of recent developments in the sector, 38 Brazilian meat enterprises were granted export qualifications for China, as announced by the General Administration of Customs (GAC).	26-03-2024	Click here
241	The UK government’s decision to replace the popular Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) programme, which offered import duty concessions to developing nations and LDCs for certain items, with the “simpler and more generous” Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) has resulted in some inadvertent confusion for Indian exporters as product description under the new scheme is different from one used by India for exports, sources have said.	26-03-2024	Click here
242	The Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities have issued notices to around 50 importers of spices, dry fruits, processed food, and poultry for storing products at warehouses different from the actual place of supply. They seek additional tax payments of approximately Rs 1,000 crore. Some importers have also been warned of registration cancellation.	27-03-2024	Click here
243	India’s trade dependence on China and the EU increased in 2023 while it reduced on Saudi Arabia, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said.	22-03-2024	Click here
244	India has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely, a move that comes ahead of a general election and is expected to exacerbate high prices in some overseas markets. The ban, imposed in December, was due to expire on March 31.	23-03-2024	Click here
245	India has initiated an anti-dumping probe into the import of aluminium foil, used as a packaging material for conservation and preservation of edible and food products, from China following a complaint by domestic players.	26-03-2024	Click here
246	Indian exporters have received notices from the customs department demanding payment of duty differentials on rice exported in the last 18 months, four exporters told Reuters, a rare tax demand that could cripple rice ..	26-03-2024	Click here
247	Indian grapes have proved to be a success in the European markets with the produce fetching premium rates there. Vilas Shinde, chairman and managing director of the Nashik-based Sahyadri Farms — the largest grapes exporters of the country — said the present rates are 20 per cent higher than the last season.	14-03-2024	Click here
248	India has extended restrictions on exports of deoiled rice bran until July 31	15-03-2024	Click here
249	The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the signing of an Agreement between Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding cooperation in the areas of food safety.	13-03-2024	Click here
250	India Wednesday signed the protocol to establish a bilateral institutional mechanism with Dominican Republic on trade and commerce to develop cooperation on trade, services and industrial technologies.	13-03-2024	Click here
251	To promote e-commerce exports, the DGFT in partnership with logistics services provider DHL will conduct training sessions and workshops for MSMEs in 76 districts of the country. The exercise is aimed at preparing MSMEs to tap the growing potential of increasing exports through e-commerce medium, the DGFT said in a statement.	14-03-2024	Click here
252	Export of natural honey is free. Minimum export price (MEP) of USD 2,000 per metric ton is imposed till December 31, 2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the DGFT said in a notification.	14-03-2024	Click here
253	O/o DGFT has issued a Public Notice no 48/2023 dated 7th March 2024 on import of menthol covered under ITC HS codes 29061100, 30039021, 33012590, 33012400 under advance authorization, duty free import authorization. The input menthol covered under ITC HS Code 29061100, 30039021, 33012590, 33012400 stands suspended from standard input output norms and or adhoc norms wherever it appears in any SION/adhoc norms pending review of such SION/or adhoc norms. Till such review is undertaken no advance authorization or Duty free import authorization shall be issued for import of menthol covered under ITC HS code 29061100, 30039021, 33012590 and 33012400	10-3-2024	Click here
254	Shortly after New Delhi inked a USD 100 billion free trade pact with a four-member European bloc, Norway said it will eliminate customs duties for almost 98 per cent of the imports from India under the framework of the pact.	11-3-2024	Click here
255	Many economies, big and small, have expressed willingness to start trading in rupee with India, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said recently. Some of these countries include neighbours like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as nations from the Gulf, the minister said. While Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are keen us to start immediately, countries in the Gulf region are also seriously looking at the possibility, Goyal informed.	11-3-2024	Click here
256	The Centre announced that outbound shipments from SEZs and EOUs, which account for about a quarter of India’s exports, will now be eligible for tax refunds under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme. Exporting firms who use the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme, that permits duty-free import of inputs that are physically incorporated in the export product, will also be covered by the RoDTEP scheme, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.	8-3-2024	Click here
257	Total import of 1.9 Million MTs of Raw Petroleum Coke(RPC) for manufacturing Calcined Petroleum Coke(CPC) and 0.5 Million MTs of CPC for Aluminium Industry respectively shall be permissible during 2024-25, and 1.9 Million MTs of RPC for manufacturing CPC Manufacturing and 0.8 Million MTs of CPC for Aluminium Industry respectively shall be permissible from 2025-26 onwards, subject to certain conditions (for details, click the link)	7-3-2024	Click here
258	Indian government allows the exports of 3,000 MT of onions to Bahrain, 1,200 MT to Mauritius and 550 MT to Bhutan through National Cooperative Exports Limited. The government last year, imposed a ban on onion exports till March 31 to meet domestic demand and stabilise its wholesale prices but it allows a specified quantity to be exported to friendly nations.	6-3-2024	Click here
259	India is mulling giving quota-based duty concessions on gold imports from Switzerland under the proposed free trade agreement European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and has also sought an investment commitment of $50 billion in the first ten years after the implementation of the agreement and another $50 billion in the next five years	6-3-2024	Click here
260	The Reserve Bank of India has reportedly urged major state-owned oil refiners, including Indian Oil Corp., Bharat Petroleum Corp., and Hindustan Petroleum Corp., to persuade Persian Gulf suppliers to accept at least 10% of oil payments in rupees in the next financial year. The move aims to boost the Indian currency in international trade and reduce dependence on dollars.	5-3-2024	Click here
261	The Indian government has allowed the export of 64,400 tonnes of onions to the UAE and Bangladesh through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), according to notifications from the commerce ministry. While 50,000 tonnes are permitted for Bangladesh, 14,400 tonnes are allowed for the UAE. Although onion exports are generally banned, the government permits specific quantities to friendly nations based on their requests.	4-3-2024	Click here
262	The Indian government has permitted exports of 30,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Tanzania and 80,000 tonnes of broken rice to Djibouti and Guinea Bissau. The exports are allowed to meet the food security needs of these countries.	4-3-2024	Click here
263	Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Monday said the government has launched a mission to boost production of oilseeds and reduce imports of cooking oils.	4-3-2024	Click here
264	India's basmati rice exports are expected to decrease in 2024 due to increased competition from Pakistan, which is offering the grain at more competitive prices. In 2023, India's basmati rice exports reached 4.9 million metric tons, just shy of the record high in 2020, leading to record revenue of $5.4 billion. However, Pakistan's increased production and lower prices are impacting India's export prospects	29-02-2024	Click here
265	India will not grant permission to domestic rice exporters to participate in United Nations World Food Program (WFP) tenders.	27-02-2024	Click here
266	India's exports of poultry products such as eggs and egg products, which crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark in the first nine months, are set to scale to hit a new record of ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,400 crore in the current financial year 2023-24 on strong demand from countries such as Oman and Sri Lanka among others.	27-02-2024	Click here
267	Vietnam has recently imported husked brown rice from India for the first time in years, aiming to process it into refined white rice for export, capitalizing on high global demand.	27-02-2024	Click here
268	Government permitted traders to export of 50,000 tonnes of onion to Bangladesh, 1,200 tonnes to Mauritius, 3,000 tonnes of Bahrain and 560 tonnes to Bhutan till March 31st.	22-02-2024	Click here
269	Smaller steelmakers in India seek a ban on iron ore exports after a 170% surge in sales to Chinese mills inflated local prices. Fearing industry shutdowns, lobby groups from major manufacturing states request government restrictions. Second-tier producers, constituting 40% of national output, face higher input costs than top mills. Any export limits could support iron ore prices.	23-02-2024	Click here
270	As per an analysis by Commerce ministry, India has penetrated into what are termed as "absolutely new markets" in regions such as Africa, Central Asia, Latin America and North America during April-December 2023. The "absolutely new markets" refer to areas where India did not see any export during April-December 2022, but healthy growth of certain principal commodities like motor vehicles, two- and three-wheelers, petroleum products, sugar, gold and other precious jewellery were recorded in April-December 2023.	26-02-2024	Click here
271	Amid the rise in rice prices, the Union government has extended the 20 per cent export duty on parboiled rice indefinitely.	22-02-2024	Click here
272	India has extended the timeline for duty-free imports of yellow peas by a month through April, 2024, an official gazette notification said. In early December, the central government allowed duty-free imports of yellow peas until March 2024. It was part of New Delhi's intervention to cool the prices of the overall pulse basket.	22-02-2024	Click here
273	India’s pulses demand to grow exponentially as economy set to reach $5 tn, says DGFT	16-02-2024	Click here
274	APEDA facilitates export of Bananas from India to Moscow, Russia via Sea. The major export destinations for Indian bananas include Iran, Iraq, UAE, Oman, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Additionally, the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and France present India with abundant export opportunities.	18-02-2024	Click here
275	Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr Hasan Mahmud, during his recent visit to New Delhi, requested India to export 50,000 tons of onions (as well as 100,000 tons of sugar) before Ramadan. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal pledged to export 20,000 tons of onions.	12-2-2024	Click here
276	DGFT notifies the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) of Export Items, 2023 [Chapter 01-39 of Schedule 2, Export Policy of ITC (HS), 2023]	13-02-2024	#VALUE!
277	India has identified electronics, engineering goods, textiles, marine & agriculture, toys, pharmaceuticals, and ecommerce as the sectors that could help achieve its $1-trillion goods export target by FY30. The commerce and industry ministry study predicts that these sectors could generate around $670 billion of exports by 2029-30.	29-01-2024	Click here
278	Thousands of farmers’ collectives across the states are now able to sell a host of unique agricultural products including rice, pulses, honey, millets, mushrooms, spices and value added products on the government’s e-commerce platform – Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).	29-01-2024	Click here
279	Exports from Kolkata port, a gateway to eastern India, are facing several challenges including, geopolitical tension, a government-imposed rice export ban and skyrocketing ocean freight costs, which could lead to a slowdown in trade activities. Key export items, like engineering goods, shrimp, and rice, have been impacted in recent weeks.	28-01-2024	Click here
280	The Indian toy industry witnessed remarkable growth in FY2022-23 in comparison to FY2014-15, with a decline in imports by 52 per cent, and a rise in exports by 239 per cent	8-1-2024	Click here
281	India’s steel mills are pushing for safeguard measures including 8-12 per cent duty imposition on “all” steel shipments, especially those coming from countries like China.	1-1-2024	Click here
282	India's Commerce & Industry Ministry launched the ‘E-Commerce Exports Handbook for MSMEs’ prepared by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as a definitive guide for MSMEs looking to leverage e-commerce platforms for growing their exports.	29-12-2023	Click here
283	Nearly 500,000 metric tons of rice from Taiwan and India will arrive in Philippines beginning January until February 2024, according to the Department of Agriculture of Manila, Philippines.	28-12-2023	Click here
284	The government is working on boosting domestic manufacturing and increasing exports to USD 500 billion by 2030 from 10-11 sectors, including automobiles, pharma, textiles, medical devices and chemicals	28-12-2023	Click here
285	Commerce and industry minister said that the government will extend the benefits of the RoDTEP scheme to e-commerce exports down through post and courier.	28-12-2023	Click here
286	Key changes related to GST for MSMEs in 2023 - 1. Formalization of Non-GST Units 2. Reduced Turnover Threshold for E-Invoicing 3. Intra-State Supply for Unregistered E-commerce Sellers	27-12-2023	Click here
287	Farmers eyeing export of 500 MT Nagpur oranges to Gulf nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia, starting from February 2024	27-12-2023	Click here
288	India aims at $1 billion fresh banana exports in next 5 years	27-12-2023	Click here
289	MSME Ministry launches 3 sub-schemes under RAMP programme; makes ZED scheme free for women	20-12-2023	Click here
290	India has prohibited the export of onions from December 8, 2023, till the end of March 2024, according to DGFT	8-12-2023	Click here
291	The number of women-owned MSMEs registered on the government’s Udyam portal stood at 1.17 crore – 37.13 per cent of the total 3.16 crore MSMEs registered as of December 4,2023	11-12-2023	Click here
292	Buoyed by the PLI scheme and free trade agreements with the UAE and Australia, the textile industry expects India’s exports of manmade fibre (MMF) textiles to increase 75% to $11.4 billion in 2030 from around $6.5 billion in 2021-22.	28/11/2023	Click here
293	The Centre has allowed export of nearly 9 lakh tonnes (lt) of broken rice to five counties and more than 34,000 tonnes of wheat and wheat products to neighbouring Bhutan through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). Senegal gets a major share of 5 lakh tonnes, Indonesia 2 lakh tonnes.	30/11/2023	Click here
294	India's overall gems and jewellery exports declined by 11.49% to ₹22,873.19 crore ($2,748.01 million) in October, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) data	18/11/2023	Click here
295	India's e-commerce export, currently valued at $1 billion annually, is likely to increase to $400 billion by 2030 - DGFT	17/11/2023	Click here
296	India is hedging its bets on FTAs to spur apparel exports	13-11-2023	Click here
297	The Export-Import (Exim) Bank of India has forecast India’s total merchandise exports to touch $111.2 billion, a year-on-year growth of 6.3 per cent, during the October-December quarter (Q3) of FY2024.	9-11-2023	Click here
298	Walmart is looking at an India-first opportunity on sourcing for the world as it readies to host a never-before mega sellers’ summit in New Delhi on February 14 and 15, 2024, on way to $10 bn a year export target.	9-11-2023	Click here
299	Walmart on track to meet $10b annual exports from India by 2027 as India is already one of the top sourcing markets for the world’s largest retailer with annual exports worth about $3 billion, according to the company.	8-11-2023	Click here
300	A recent study by Boston Consulting Group has pointed out that US goods imports from China declined by 10% from 2018 through 2022, they rose by 44% from India. Walmart stores in the US are selling more products with the Made-in-India tag.	9-11-2023	Click here
301	4 nations i.e. Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar and Cambodia will likely compensate for reduced shipments of rice from India and Vietnam and exports from Asia are likely to be 55.4 million tonnes (mt), 6 per cent higher than the five-year average, FAO said.	7-11-2023	Click here
302	To boost exports of agricultural products to the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCCs), APEDA has signed a MoU with global retail major Lulu Hypermarket LLC.	6-11-2023	Click here
303	Steps such as inbound shipments of certain goods, PLI scheme and mandatory quality norms have helped in reducing import of non-essential products. To cut imports, the government has increased customs duty on gold, imposed curbs on inbound shipments of television, levied minimum import price on some goods, introduced National Food Security Mission (Oilseeds and Oil Palm) Scheme, and blending of ethanol in oil.	5-11-2023	Click here
304	In September, India's service exports witnessed a year-on-year decline of 2.7%, totaling USD 28.43 bn, according to RBI. Services imports also saw a sharper decline of 10.3%.	3-11-2023	Click here
305	The DGFT has extended the time period for the accreditation of the Halal Certification Bodies and the registration of Export Units related to the streamlining of the Halal Certification Process for Meat and Meat Products. New daedline is April 05, 2024.	27-10-2023	Click here
306	The Government of India imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $800 per tonne on onion exports till December 31, 2023	28/10/23	Click here
307	India has asked the WTO members to work on a clear definition of e-commerce trade in goods and services as it would help provide developing countries a policy space to make decisions on the fast-growing sector	29/10/23	Click here
308	FSSAI has announced that to obtain food safety licences online, applicants would have to pay only Rs. 1,000	29/10/23	Click here
309	The government has agreed to bring down the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice from $1200 per tonne to $950 per tonne bringing much relief to exporters worried they might lose their share of global exports to Pakistan, which also produces the aromatic long grain.	10-27-2023	#VALUE!
310	India’s US food exports refusal rate 7 times higher than China’s: MDH Spices leads with 10 per cent shipments refused over salmonella contamination; nearly 4 per cent Nestle India shipments refused, mostly due to “filthy” noodles	10-23-2023	Click here
311	A total of 3,925 human food export shipments from India were refused entry at US customs in the last four years, as per the data of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most frequent product categories to face entry refusals were spices, vitamins, minerals and proteins, bakery products, and seafood products.	23/10/2023	Click here
312	As per recent announcement made by FSSAI, the customs department would no longer be obligated to secure FSSAI clearances for food ingredients or items that are brought into India with the intent of re-export or for the production of value-added items specifically destined for export markets.	20/10/2023	Click here
313	Top 5 government schemes for startups in India to support entrepreneurs: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Multiplier Grant Scheme (MGS), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), Startup India Initiative, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme	10-20-2023	Click here
314	‘One District, One Product’ needs a sharper focus to boost exports. Currently, above 40 per cent of India’s exports are met by 10 districts in the country. To reach the goal of $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030 India needs to rapidly expand to other districts.	21/10/2023	Click here
315	As per FICCI-Wazir Advisors report, India's textile industry may touch $ 350 billion mark by 2030	24/10/2023	Click here
316	India to host the world's largest textiles event, Bharat Tex 2024: The Indian textile industry is set to host "Bharat Tex 2024," which is being hailed as the world's largest textiles event. The event aims to position India as a global sourcing destination in the textile industry. It will feature over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 30,000 visitors from 40 countries, showcasing India's cultural heritage, traditional practices, and technological innovations. The event will include knowledge sessions, seminars, conferences, product launches, and collaborations.	10-21-2023	Click here
317	The Government of India has announced the new rates of duty drawback and a few products (such as cotton T shirt, man-made T shirt, babies garments etc.) have had a significant increase in rates.	23/10/2023	Click here
318	Food labels to have QR code to help the visually disabled	10-24-2023	Click here
319	Apparel and textile production witness steep declines following drop in export orders	25/10/2023	Click here
320	India exporting wheat, rice to needy countries for their food security: The government also allowed exports of non-basmati rice to Bhutan (79,000 tonnes), Mauritius (14,000 tonnes) and Singapore (50,000 tonnes) through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL). On September 9 last year, the government banned the export of broken rice to check rising retail prices and boost domestic supply	9-15-2023	Click here
321	Exporter status certificates to be issued based on available electronic data: Commerce Ministry	10-9-2023	Click here
322	Restriction on export of Sugar ( Raw sugar, White sugar, Refined sugar and Organic sugar ) is extended beyond 31.10.23 till further orders.	18/10/2023	Click here
323	India is considering extending an export levy on parboiled rice to control local prices before key polls, potentially raising the risk of higher global food inflation. The government may extend a 20% export levy, due to expire on October 15, to keep a lid on domestic prices	10-11-2023	Click here
324	Export of Non-Basmati White Rice ( under HS Code 1006 30 90 ) to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d' Ivore, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)	18/10/2023	Click here
325	Cheap sunflower oil from Russia, Ukraine rattles palm oil market	10-11-2023	Click here
326	Purchase body approves import of fertiliser, lentil, edible oil in Bangladesh	10-11-2023	Click here
327	The Indian government is considering imposing a 25% duty on the export of molasses due to an expected decline in sugar production	10-10-2023	Click here
328	APEDA has facilitated the export of the first trial shipment of fresh pomegranate to the USA through air route.	20-10-2023	Click here
329	Indonesia to import additional 1.5 million tonnes of rice for 2023	10-9-2023	Click here

Internationl Trade News/Updates