TARIFF IMPLEMENTATION
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.
ETMarkets Commodity Talk| Building a 5-year portfolio? Why gold could take the largest share of your commodity allocation, Deveya Gaglani decodes
In this edition of ETMarkets Commodity Talk, Deveya Gaglani, Senior Research Analyst – Commodities at Axis Direct, shares his views on the evolving commodity landscape and the role of gold, silver and industrial metals in a diversified portfolio. He also explains why gold could form the largest component of a long-term commodity allocation, while highlighting the risks of blindly buying the dip or chasing a sharp rally.
India's farms offer 116 GW solar manufacturing opportunity: ISMA
India's agricultural sector could create a demand for 116 GW of solar modules through the solarisation of irrigation pumps. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to support this transition. Solarising pumps can reduce dependence on conventional electricity and diesel while improving farmers' electricity availability. The report emphasizes the need for sustained policy support and demand visibility to benefit domestic manufacturers.
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.
India wants more factories, fabs and data centres. Where will the water come from?
India's ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 is constrained by growing water resource challenges. Industries across sectors, including thermal power and semiconductor manufacturing, face water scarcity issues that could hinder growth. Many regions are already experiencing severe water stress, impacting economic development plans drastically. Adopting recycling and reuse technologies will be crucial for managing water in industries effectively.
The business of running a hospital: Balancing profitability, patient trust and scale
A hospital’s financial health depends on more than occupancy and revenue, requiring a careful balance of cost control, cash flow and patient trust.
Govt moves to resolve Scotch tariff dispute under UK trade pact, sources say
India has assured industry executives that it will honor the trade pact with Britain regarding Scotch whisky tariffs. Ongoing investigations into bulk Scotch imports are expected to result in a resolution. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal detailed steps to address concerns over duty concessions for bulk imports. The disagreement centers on customs classifications affecting the whisky industry significantly.
Why is India's probe of Scotch imports from Britain rattling liquor majors?
India's investigation into bulk Scotch whisky imports has triggered the first major trade dispute under the India-UK free trade agreement. The government argues bulk Scotch does not qualify for reduced import tariffs, potentially restoring duties to 150% from 75%. The dispute threatens a $65 billion global whisky market, putting Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Indian liquor makers at odds with customs officials.
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.
Govt to meet liquor firms as domestic giants join foreign peers in Scotch dispute
India's government is holding talks with liquor companies regarding tariff reductions on bulk Scotch imports. Major firms, including Diageo and Pernod, are expressing alarm about the investigation. Approximately 80% of Scotch imports from Britain arrive in bulk for local manufacturing. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has warned of adverse effects on domestic production. Companies seek urgent intervention from the government to avoid disruption caused by the tariff issue.
India's FTAs to open new export opportunities as country eyes $1 trillion milestone: IIFT VC
India's trade deficit is likely to persist as long as the country remains dependent on oil imports, although rising exports of value-added petroleum products are helping narrow the gap, K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), said on Friday.
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.
India's gold import route changing course for a benefit all jewellers want
India is diversifying its gold import sources as expanding domestic refining capacity, tax incentives and the India-UAE trade pact reshape supply chains. Switzerland’s share of India’s bullion imports fell to 21.9% in FY26 from 42.4% five years earlier, while the UAE’s share rose to 16.5% from 10.8%, according to Crisil Intelligence.
Gap apparel supplier Gokaldas eyes doubling Europe exports share to cut US reliance
Gokaldas Exports, a prominent Indian apparel supplier, expects to increase its export share to Europe significantly. The company currently derives 15% of its exports from Europe, anticipating this to rise to around 25%-30% in three to five years. This change is expected due to a proposed trade agreement between India and the European Union.
Lula beats Trump-aligned Bolsonaro in Brazil Presidential election: What happens next for US ties and the Amazon
In a decisive victory, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has clinched the presidency of Brazil for the fourth time, signaling a potential shift in the nation’s diplomatic ties with the United States under Donald Trump. Lula's agenda includes combatting Amazon deforestation, a stark departure from Bolsonaro's environmental stance. Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro seeks to uphold his father's political legacy.
India's Scotch probe of Diageo, Pernod undermining India-UK pact benefits, trade group says
The British government said "iconic UK products" like whiskies would benefit from the pact. Indian investigators, however, have privately told companies the reduced rate does not apply to bulk Scotch concentrates, creating the first significant dispute over the free trade agreement since it took effect.
Trump says US will 'take care of Cuba' on its way back from Iran
President Donald Trump mentioned plans to deal with Cuba following discussions about Iran. He expressed confidence that the US would reach an agreement with Cuba. The Trump administration aims to alter the current communist government in Cuba. Recently imposed oil blockades have triggered severe energy shortages in Cuba. Cuba's foreign minister indicated an openness to dialogue with the United States amidst these tensions.
India has huge scope to expand processed food exports to UK after trade pact: TPCI
India's processed food exports to the UK represent significant growth potential with only a 0.6 percent share. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement eliminates tariffs on various food products. As a result, Indian producers gain immediate competitive advantages in these markets. Trade missions, market intelligence sharing, and SME growth opportunities are key focuses of the TPCI-UKIBC partnership.
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