INDIA GOODS AND SERVICES EXPORT
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.
India's services growth accelerates to 55.8 in October, cost pressures ease to six-year low
India's services sector activity expanded at its fastest pace in four months in October, with the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 55.8 from 55.2 in September, while input cost inflation eased to its lowest level in more than six years, according to data released by S&P Global on Wednesday.
RBI eases forex rules for services exports and imports
The changes form part of the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) which came into effect from October 1, 2026. Under the amended regulations, a resident individual exporting services will be deemed to have submitted the Export Declaration Form, or EDF, once the individual provides the authorised dealer bank with the information required to credit the payment to the exporter's account. No transaction-value threshold has been prescribed for resident individuals.
India has never allowed import of GM products, will never open dairy sector: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India’s commitment to safeguarding its dairy sector from free trade agreement pressures. He reiterated the nation's opposition to imports of genetically modified products, considering them sensitive. Goyal mentioned efforts to unlock new employment opportunities and promote domestic agriculture for competitive exports.
India eases forex reporting rules for small value service exports, imports
The Reserve Bank of India has eased foreign exchange reporting rules for services exports and imports, reducing compliance requirements for resident individuals and setting a ₹1 million threshold for certain transactions. Resident individuals exporting services will be deemed to have filed export declarations after submitting payment details to banks, while reporting obligations for larger transactions and non-individual entities will continue.
Logistics links, shipping services emerge as key drivers for India's maritime growth: Report
India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on improving logistics, inland connectivity and shipping services rather than simply expanding port capacity, according to a Ficci-Kearney report. Cargo handled at major and non-major ports rose 38% between FY18 and FY26, outpacing the 22% increase in capacity, while delays in moving goods after export approval account for 84% of measured export time.
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India to make tunnel boring machines at home if China curbs exports: Piyush Goyal
India is gearing up to start producing its own tunnel boring machines if China decides to limit its exports. This statement came from Piyush Goyal, India's trade minister, after Beijing made its recent announcement. It highlights India’s plan to not rely on foreign supplies and enhance its domestic manufacturing capabilities in this crucial area.
China's factory activity slows on weaker export orders
China's factory activity showed signs of slower growth for the first time since July. The RatingDog China manufacturing purchasing managers index dropped to 52, reflecting a slight decline from September. Even as output increased, new export orders experienced a decline to a three-month low. Business confidence also weakened, with average export charges falling for the first time in nearly a year.
Manufacturing activity eases in Oct as new order growth drops
Manufacturing activity in India experienced a slowdown in October, decreasing from the previous month's growth. Despite this, the sector remained above its long-run average due to stronger international demand. A survey indicated that nearly 18% of manufacturers anticipated increased output over the next year, supported by fresh client inquiries.
Festive dispatches drive October car sales to record high
India's passenger vehicle dispatches to dealerships are estimated to have risen 13-14% year-on-year to a record 5.25-5.30 lakh units in October, driven by festive demand. Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Hyundai and Kia reported record monthly sales, while two-wheeler and commercial vehicle makers also posted strong growth.
India-New Zealand FTA: Expanding India’s footprint in Oceania
More than a trade deal, the India-New Zealand FTA is a strategic gateway to new markets, fresh investment and stronger capabilities, positioning India to compete, connect, and grow across the Asia-Pacific.
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.
China’s 5,000-ton digging machines are a trade war risk to India
China is tightening export controls on tunnel-boring machines and other specialised construction equipment, raising concerns that the restrictions could disrupt India's infrastructure projects, particularly along the disputed Himalayan border.
New GST norms to simplify pan-India expansion for D2C brands
Among a set of changes approved by the 57th GST Council meeting on October 8, are new rules that allow brands to declare an ecommerce platform's warehouse as their local principal place of business (PPO) starting November 1, subject to conditions.
PM approves Southern bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai: Vaishnaw
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Southern Bullet Train Corridor which will connect Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai. This high-speed rail project aims to reduce travel time significantly between these economic hubs. The Bengaluru-Chennai journey will take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad will take about two hours and 10 minutes.
India to export Vande Bharat trains in 3-4 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India will commence the export of Vande Bharat trains in three to four years. The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been recently launched to enhance overnight travel comfort. It features advanced design improvements aimed at passenger convenience and aims to reduce travel time significantly. Fares for the sleeper service are competitive compared to international train services.
Good intentions, unintended consequences: The cost of regulation
Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.
Commerce ministry sets up committee for better utilisation of RELIEF initiative for exporters
The commerce ministry has established a six-member committee to enhance the RELIEF initiative for exporters. This initiative aims to mitigate challenges posed by rising freight costs and insurance premiums. The committee includes officials from various government departments working to improve fund utilization. It will assess the implementation of the initiative and recommend measures for better uptake. The overall goal is to support exporters during trade disruptions in crucial regions.
India can achieve $1 trillion exports target this fiscal despite global headwinds: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that India would achieve its $1 trillion exports target in 2026-27 despite global uncertainties. He said nine FTAs could open preferential market access to economies with a combined GDP of $60 trillion. Goods and services exports were estimated at $476.2 billion in April-September.
Karnataka urges exporters to leverage FTAs to boost trade, target $1 trillion economy
Karnataka's industries minister MB Patil has urged manufacturers and exporters to leverage free trade agreements effectively. The state has signed trade agreements with 38 countries, which could enhance market access for various products. This initiative is part of Karnataka's goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy in the future. Increasing foreign direct investment highlights the state's economic momentum and potential growth.
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.
Karnataka, DGFT to host state-level workshop to help exporters leverage FTAs
On October 30, a workshop will be organized by the DGFT, Karnataka government, and FIEO in Bengaluru. The event aims to enhance Karnataka's export competitiveness and awareness of Free Trade Agreements. Nearly 200 participants, including exporters and industry officials, are expected to attend. Technical sessions will cover opportunities in various sectors and policy interventions under new FTAs. Senior officials and the state minister will address attendees at this important event.
US goods trade deficit unexpectedly widens in September
The goods trade shortfall increased 2.1%, or $2.8 billion to $134.9 billion last month, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the goods deficit at $130.2 billion.
India, Mexico begin talks for trade pact; aim to boost commerce, investments
India and Mexico have initiated negotiations for a preferential trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The agreement aims to create new economic opportunities while addressing market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation. Discussions included organising a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027 to improve commercial ties. India had a trade surplus with Mexico, largely due to exports in autos and pharmaceuticals.
GST clarification on foreign investor brokerage offers sentiment boost, analysts say
The Indian government has clarified that brokerage paid by overseas clients may qualify as an export service. This could help foreign investors avoid the 18% goods and services tax on brokerage fees. Analysts suggest this clarification is sentimentally positive amid significant foreign outflows from Indian stocks. There is ongoing speculation regarding potential cuts in capital gains tax ahead of the federal budget.
India to emerge as major exporter to China, ASEAN, get edge in US trade pact, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential to expand exports to China and ASEAN. Negotiations are underway for a trade pact with the United States that could provide India a comparative advantage. The country is also working towards an Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union. Goyal indicated that discussions for preferential trade agreements are progressing with multiple countries and groups.
GST registration gets easier as CBIC drops Udyam proof, sets seven-day limit for approvals
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has issued clarifications regarding GST registration requirements for businesses. Companies will no longer need to provide Udyam certificates or face rejections due to unpaid bills. Registration applications must be processed within seven working days with Aadhaar authentication. Tax demands must include clear justifications and cannot be arbitrary. These changes aim to simplify compliance and reduce disputes in tax administration.
We will see India becoming major exporter of goods and services to China: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.
US, Brazil and Israel elections put India’s trade worth billions in focus
Recent elections in the US, Brazil, and Israel may impact India's trade negotiations and economic partnerships. The US is close to finalizing a trade pact, which could affect Indian exports significantly. Brazil's growing economic relationship with India is leading to ambitious trade targets between the two nations. In Israel, the continuation of defense cooperation and negotiations for a free trade agreement are crucial for India.
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