EU INDIA TRADE DEAL
Use FTAs to build joint ventures, explore investment opportunities: CII President to industry
R Mukundan, the CII President, stressed the crucial role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in fostering joint ventures and enhancing investment prospects. He noted India's resilient economic growth, even faced with global challenges like geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices. The broadened scope of India's FTAs promises to enrich economic interactions and spur advancements in emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology.
Why China needs to look within
China's trade surplus should start stabilising next year over restrictions and plateauing AI investment. Beijing will have to double down on stimulating domestic consumption to take up the slack from an eventual export slowdown. It has the fiscal firepower to provide consumers income support they need to counteract savings lost in the property market.
EasyJet shareholders approve £5.7 billion Apollo takeover
EasyJet's shareholders voted to approve a £5.7 billion takeover by Apollo on Wednesday. This decision marks a major step towards removing EasyJet from the London stock market. With 97.07% of scheme shares in favor, the airline is targeting a deal completion by the first quarter of next year. Nonetheless, the takeover faces regulatory scrutiny in the EU regarding airline ownership rules.
EU threatens significant fines for unfair online trade practices
The European Commission is proposing a new Digital Fairness Act aimed at enhancing consumer rights. This legislation will impose fines on companies engaging in unfair practices such as deceptive advertising targeted at children. It seeks to ban dark patterns and other misleading digital strategies that cost consumers significantly. Companies will need to comply with these new rules to avoid substantial penalties.
China is building inside Europe's trade walls, deepening its grip on critical industries
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, the director of the Geoeconomics Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy)- China doesn't
India garment makers rethink reliance on US after tariff shock
Many Indian companies are reconfiguring their export destinations, and their exposure to the US, in light of the tariff shock, in a move that is likely to strengthen New Delhi's hand in its trade negotiations with Washington, and potentially reduce India's vulnerability to US pressure over time.
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India well on track to achieve $1 trillion exports target for FY27: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India is on track to achieve its $1 trillion goods and services export target in FY27, having already recorded nearly $480 billion in exports during April-September. He highlighted opportunities from free trade agreements, particularly the proposed India-EU pact, for the automobile and mobility sectors. Goyal urged manufacturers to expand globally, boost competitiveness and leverage international partnerships to drive exports, investment and employment.
China's trade surplus surpasses $1 trillion for a 2nd straight year, as exports surge 35%
Exports in October surged 35.2% from a year earlier, the customs agency said. Exports have grown rapidly this year, supported by high-tech goods like semiconductors and autos.
Trump envoys bring Russia and Ukraine together for first peace talks in 9 months
Russian and Ukrainian officials recently convened in Abu Dhabi for the first US-brokered talks since February. US envoy Jared Kushner indicated that both sides have narrowed their differences but remain far apart on terms. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for security guarantees and lasting peace to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed a preference for broader European security talks first.
India may get a better trade deal: Samir Saran on renegotiating with the US
Following the US midterm elections, Samir Saran emphasized India's need to navigate trade negotiations with patience. He believes aggressive US tariff threats are often part of larger negotiations rather than immediate policy changes. Saran indicated that both domestic political shifts and bipartisan support in Congress ensure continuity of US trade goals. India can leverage its vast market to secure advantageous terms during negotiations.
India extends Halal certification for meat exports to Egypt
The government has extended the implementation of the mandatory i-CAS-Halal for meat exports to Egypt by three months. This extension aims to facilitate the accreditation process of Egyptian Halal certification bodies. Additionally, the government specified that the Certificate of Inspection for rice exports is limited to certain European countries. Exemption from this requirement will continue until April 2027 for other European nations.
India finalises association with Horizon Europe for research and innovation collaboration
India has concluded negotiations with the European Union to associate with Horizon Europe for research cooperation. The agreement aims to create a long-term framework for collaborative R&D projects between India and the EU. Indian researchers will have access to European consortia and cutting-edge research infrastructure through this partnership. The collaboration seeks to deepen talent mobility and co-develop critical technologies and standards effectively.
DGFT invites applications for vehicle import quotas under India-UK FTA
The government of India has opened applications for importers seeking duty concessions under the India-UK trade pact. This initiative relates to a quota of 24,500 passenger cars and 2,750 transport vehicles. The applications are accepted from November 6, 2026 to November 21, 2026, according to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement allows reduced tariffs on vehicle imports between the two nations.
EU and India conclude negotiations on association to Horizon Europe to push innovation ties
India and the European Commission have completed negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe. The agreement is expected to enhance scientific cooperation between Europe and India significantly. Researchers from India will gain access to Horizon Europe funding and can lead joint projects addressing pressing global challenges. This association aims to facilitate collaboration in various fields, including health, climate, and energy.
Trump's midterm election setback may fast-track India-US trade deal within two months says founder, GTRI
Ajay Srivastava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said the election results could push Trump to focus more on trade negotiations and expedite the proposed agreement with India.
India plans to cut visa categories from 13 to 9 and reduce application form fields by 70%
In a significant turn of events, India's Union Home Ministry is undertaking a major overhaul of the country's visa system, reducing the existing 13 categories down to just 9 while revamping the application process to enhance user experience.
Reset will keep India busy as Trump’s midterm loss redraws US politics
The recent US midterm elections have significant implications for international relations and the economy. Incoming policies may impact trade agreements between India and the US, affecting both countries' economies. Additionally, potential conflicts involving Iran could influence energy prices in India, creating economic uncertainty. The evolving political landscape in Washington will require India to adjust its diplomatic strategies.
India-EU trade deal to ease mobility for Indian professionals, but work visas will still be required
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is set to simplify temporary entry for Indian professionals. It includes provisions for intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and business visitors. Visa applications will still follow existing immigration procedures and conditions, ensuring applicants meet specific requirements.
Trump's midterm setback may put India under pressure for quick trade deal on US terms: GTRI
Amid electoral challenges, US President Donald Trump is likely to ramp up pressure on India to seal a trade deal. This potential agreement would require India to decrease import tariffs on US goods while the US keeps its tariffs intact. Analysts caution that such an arrangement may breach WTO MFN principles, undermining India's trade credibility. Additionally, compromising energy security and development aspirations could have serious implications.
Gold firms on softer oil prices, US midterm results awaited
Gold prices experienced a modest uptick in early Asian markets, spurred by a decline in oil prices that has helped ease inflationary concerns. This shift is shaping investor expectations around potential actions from the Federal Reserve. Attention is also focused on the US midterm election outcomes, which could influence market volatility, while India's gold demand faces a projected six-year low amidst high prices affecting sales.
COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
Asian companies to ramp up investments in US amid supply-chain shifts
Citi expects investments by South Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese companies in the US to rise as global supply chains shift. The bank also sees growing cross-border business flows involving India and China, creating opportunities in transaction banking and financial services.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing
In an effort to advance their free trade agreement, India and the European Union held pivotal discussions led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, who visited Brussels for dialogues with prominent EU officials. Central to the talks were customs cooperation and trade facilitation, deemed critical for the agreement's efficacy. Additionally, industry stakeholders from the diamond sector were engaged to harness opportunities within India's expanding market.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
India’s FTAs to open access to $85 trillion market; Piyush Goyal urges exporters to go global
India's trade agreements are expected to provide exporters preferential access to markets with a combined GDP of $85 trillion, covering 76% of the global economy, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He urged businesses to expand internationally, improve product quality and build global brands as India pursues additional trade pacts.
China trade accord with Swiss bucks wider trend towards protectionism
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin are set to sign a significant trade deal. The accord offers Switzerland extensive market access to China, enhancing the trade relationship between the two nations. This agreement notably contrasts with increasing trade barriers established by the United States and the European Union. Swiss officials believe this deal will provide stability in a volatile global trade environment.
India-EU FTA likely to rollout in mid-2027, PM Modi to travel to Brussels for official signing in December: Top EU lawmaker
The European Parliament anticipates that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed by mid-December 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the signing ceremony in Brussels. The agreement seeks to deepen investments and reduce supply-chain dependencies between India and the EU. Closer collaboration on defense and cybersecurity is also a priority for both parties.
Indian industry has become aware of carbon emissions, says CII’s Narayan Sethuramon
Indian industry is becoming aware of the impact of European carbon emissions regulations on their competitiveness. The expected India-EU Free Trade Agreement will create opportunities for growth in the coming years. Different categories of buyers are emerging, with some looking to diversify sources away from China. Key sectors such as textiles and defense are poised to benefit from these trade dynamics.
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