BUSINESS
India won’t rush into FTAs without protecting farmers, MSMEs, says Piyush Goyal
Goyal added that the talks with the US are progressing well, while also stating that India does not negotiate any trade deals based on deadlines.
BUSINESS
India looks to diversify rare-earth supply via FTAs with Peru and Chile, startup-led processing
The ninth round of negotiations with Peru will be held from November 3 to 5, while a third round with Chile is planned for October 27 to 31. The South American countries are emerging as important sources of rare earths
BUSINESS
Trump tariffs dented India’s labour-intensive exports in September, but marine shipment defied odds
Unsurprisingly, exports of electronic goods, unaffected by Trump’s steeper tariffs, grew a massive 50.5 percent on-year to $3.1 billion last month, nearly double the growth registered in August.
BUSINESS
India-Canada FTA talks may resume only after EU, US deals close
Despite a thaw in diplomatic ties, the commerce ministry is prioritising ongoing FTA negotiations with several countries, making the resumption of FTA talks with Canada unlikely this year
BUSINESS
India sees room to add $14-15 bn annually in energy imports from US, says Commerce Secretary
An India team is in the United States this week to address issues around tariffs, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on October 15.
BUSINESS
India, EU FTA enters final stage of talks; conclusion expected by 2025-end, says commerce secretary
India and the EU are focused on ironing out outstanding issues, particularly those related to market access, regulatory cooperation and agricultural sensitivities, the commerce ministry said on October 15.
BUSINESS
India’s goods trade deficit widens to 13-month high of $32.15 billion in September
'Import increase in September 2025 has been higher than exports. Gold, silver, fertiliser and electronics have led to the import surge,' Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said.
BUSINESS
Govt leans on quick commerce for real-time price checks after GST rate cuts
Platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zepto have also been asked by the government to showcase savings made on account of the GST rate cuts, sources said, adding that this strategy is key to ensuring that tax reductions are leading to lower retail prices on a daily basis.
BUSINESS
Indian exporters urge govt to seek relief in EU FTA talks over steel tariff hike
The EU’s decision to hike tariffs and tighten the quota comes at a time when India is already seeking relaxations in the carbon tax proposed to be imposed by the bloc on imports of steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers from January, 2026.
BUSINESS
Latest round of India-EU FTA talks see limited progress, 'better clarity' on industrial, farm goods
The thirteenth round of EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations took place in New Delhi during September 8-12, with two additional days of technical sessions on Rules of Origin held on September 13-14.
BUSINESS
Explainer: India-Oman’s $10 billion trade poised for diversification after FTA
Faced with steeper US tariffs, the India-Oman FTA and additional deals with GCC nations could play a key role in diversifying Indian exports by reducing dependence on traditional buyers.
BUSINESS
India nears FTA with Oman, open to trade deals with more GCC nations, says Piyush Goyal
Oman is India’s third-largest export destination within the GCC. India already has a trade deal with another GCC member - the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
BUSINESS
India-EU free-trade agreement may take at least a year to kick in after signing
Even as India and the EU aim to close talks for the trade deal by the end of the year, the bloc’s multi-stage ratification process means it would be some time before the agreement comes into effect
BUSINESS
Interview: Closer India-China ties viable, but ‘plus-one’ strategy must stay, says Kaushik Basu
The former chief economic adviser to the Indian government also advocated a 'progressive tax on the rich that ought to be transferred to help the poor'
BUSINESS
India’s exports to US slowed in August as Trump’s tariffs weigh
Economists point out that since the additional penalty of 25 percent was imposed by the US from August 27, the impact of tariffs will be more pronounced in the trade figures for September.
BUSINESS
India, US push for early conclusion of trade agreement
The two sides acknowledged the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US.
BUSINESS
Export Promotion Mission likely to run till 2031 with higher allocation
Inter-ministerial consultations on the scheme have been concluded, and the proposal will be sent to the Cabinet for an approval soon.
BUSINESS
Govt targeting import substitution for 100 products to improve self-reliance
The Commerce Ministry has plans to consult stakeholders to boost domestic production of engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and plastics, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.
BUSINESS
India pushes for tariff cuts on textiles, leather, and gems in EU trade talks
The EU, on the other hand, is seeking concessions for flagship exports such as wine and automobiles through the free trade agreement with India.
BUSINESS
US chief negotiator in India on September 16 to discuss 'trade issues', says commerce ministry official
Additional Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal confirmed the development, adding that only trade-related issues will be discussed, with no talks on other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
BUSINESS
India’s merchandise trade deficit narrows to $26.49 billion in August
Major drivers of merchandise exports in August 2025 include electronics, which registered a growth of 25.93 percent on-year, engineering goods that rose 4.91 percent, and gems & jewellery shipments that jumped 15.57 percent.
BUSINESS
India, EU FTA talks gain unprecedented momentum
India and the European Union are maximising efforts to finalise the proposed trade deal by 2025-end, said Maroš Šefčovič, EU's Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
BUSINESS
GST cut, festive demand may cushion $10 billion tariff blow for jewellers
Facing steep 50% US tariffs, India’s gems and jewellery exporters turn to strong festive demand and tax relief at home to soften the blow. However, support from the government remains key to tide over short-term challenges
BUSINESS
India-EU FTA: 'Balance over speed' guides talks as New Delhi maintains dairy, agri red lines
The 13th round of talks for the proposed FTA between India and the EU has entered its fourth day, and is expected to continue until September 13. The bloc’s Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will join negotiations from September 12.
