EU TRADE
‘Ocean freight rates will come down eventually, we have seen this before’: DP World COO
Global ocean freight rates are predicted to decrease after a surge due to logistical disruptions from the US-Iran conflict. DP World rerouted shipping routes through India to mitigate the impact on trade, showcasing the importance of Indian partnerships. Investment in Jebel Ali Free Zone increased significantly, with over 270 new Indian companies starting operations recently. Alternative routes were implemented for Indian cargo to bypass maritime bottlenecks, enhancing connectivity for trade.
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.
Rubio to visit France on first post-midterm foreign trip to face questions on Trump policies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France this weekend. This trip follows significant Republican losses in the midterm elections, raising questions about Trump's international policies. Rubio is expected to address various global issues, including the Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. The meeting aims to cover topics like energy security and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges.
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's 2030 ban on single-use ketchup sachets puts condiment packets in spotlight
Starting in 2030, the European Union will ban single-serve condiment sachets, including ketchup and mayonnaise, in restaurants as part of efforts to tackle waste. Takeaway services and specific healthcare facilities will be exempt to ensure hygiene. Alternative solutions such as refillable dispensers and small bowls will be encouraged, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable practices in response to environmental concerns about single-use plastics.
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.
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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.
Oman tightens expat worker recruitment rules from January 2027; agencies must provide insurance, refunds
Effective January 1, 2027, Oman is set to enforce new, tougher rules for hiring expatriate workers, which will necessitate insurance coverage and adherence to recruitment timelines. Recruitment agencies will shoulder increased financial duties, including the possibility of refunds for employers.
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.
India-EU FTA to simplify and reinforce corporate cooperation, says Swedish Ambassador Petra Menander
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will simplify and reinforce bilateral corporate collaboration, said Sweden's Ambassador to India Petra Menander, pointing to expanded opportunities for technology transfers and joint industrial initiatives.
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.
Meta halts new business terms after backlash over data scraping and AI use
Meta has postponed the rollout of new terms affecting its business accounts due to significant backlash. Critics claimed these changes could lead to unauthorized data scraping and unfair competition against news publishers. A Norwegian court granted an injunction on the terms, highlighting concerns over Meta's market dominance. The U.K. competition authority has also initiated an investigation into these new business conditions.
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.
Out of Europe? India's steel MSMEs battle data gaps, rising cost and EU's carbon wall
Smaller Indian steel exporters say they are struggling to obtain emissions data from raw-material suppliers and bear the cost of carbon accounting and verification under the EU’s carbon border rules.
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.
Germany's Merz says EU to shape better offer as global trade order comes under pressure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the European Union will lead in shaping free trade offers. He highlighted the significance of international trade for many countries in terms of prosperity. During his Asia tour, Merz met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to enhance security partnerships. There were agreements signed between South Korean and German companies to support various sectors.
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.
Gold prices edge lower as US inflation data reinforces Fed outlook
Gold prices fell in early Asian trading, reflecting a decline of over 1% from the previous session. Spot gold is currently valued at $4,006.06 per ounce, while US gold futures have dipped to $4,018.50. Heightened inflation worries have raised fears of a potential interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December.
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.
EU can learn from India on cutting regulatory burden, says Piyush Goyal as Dutch minister rules out CBAM rethink
Piyush Goyal addressed the India-Netherlands Business Forum, highlighting India's deregulation efforts to reduce burdens on businesses. He asserted that the EU could learn from India's successful approach to regulatory matters. Dutch Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma acknowledged the importance of necessary regulations but emphasized the need to review those that hinder trade. He reiterated that climate and product safety regulations are crucial for European consumers.
US official warns EU Airbus loan puts trade deal at risk
A US-EU tariff truce could be at risk after the European Investment Bank approved 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in financing for Airbus to support research and development. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer criticised the loan, calling for greater clarity and a swift resolution. The dispute revives longstanding tensions over alleged subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
FTA with India will be a game changer in supply chain management: EU ambassador to India
EU ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet further said, "We are creating an economic space across India and the European internal market. That is what is being established, creating a long-term perspective and reliability for economic operators, which will obviously build on very significant trade already."
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