Topic
Country Risk
Exporters Flag Concerns Over West Asia War Impact on Trade and Logistics
Exporters in India have flagged serious concerns over the impact of the prolonged West Asia crisis on trade, citing uncertainty of orders, higher logistics costs, liquidity issues, and possible disruption of raw material supply chains. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and export promotion bodies. Trade bodies like FIEO are demanding fresh measures to help businesses cope with the crisis.
Trade gap seen as by-product of India's development stage, investment needs, energy dependence: Govt to Parliament
India's merchandise trade deficit is a natural by-product of its development stage, investment needs, and energy dependence, according to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. The statement to Parliament also highlighted shrimp export rejections totaling Rs 14 crore, rising FDI inflows, and progress under PLI schemes and the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
India, China Cut US Treasuries, Boost Gold Reserves in De-Dollarization Push
India and China are reducing exposure to US Treasuries and increasing gold reserves, according to a Business Today report citing Federal Reserve and RBI data. India's Treasury holdings fell 22.5% year-on-year to $181 billion, while gold reserves rose 33.9% to 881 tonnes. China's Treasury holdings dropped 12.44% to $651.1 billion. Central banks globally bought an average 1,000 tonnes of gold annually over the past four years, double the previous decade's average.
Trade US and Iran Trade Fire as Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz
The US launched a new attack on Iran on Sunday evening, killing one person, according to Iranian state media. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of conflicting claims—Iran says it is closed, the US insists it is open. Oil prices jumped 4.3% in Asia on Monday, with Brent crude at $79.26 a barrel.
Corporate India Faces Lower Profit Hit as US-Iran Truce Holds, Crisil Says
Crisil Ratings now expects a 100-basis-point decline in operating margins for corporate India in fiscal 2027, halving its earlier estimate of 200 bps, following the US-Iran ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Only 10 of 34 sectors are seen vulnerable, down from 22. Sectors like airlines and ceramics remain under pressure, while oil marketing companies and fertiliser makers stand to benefit.
Global rating agencies have been unfair to India, says Piyush Goyal; discusses trade, economic growth with industry leaders in UK
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, on a UK visit, told industry leaders that global rating agencies Fitch, Moody's and S&P have been unfair to India, failing to recognize its growth and fundamentals. He called for ramping up exports to the UK and highlighted the upcoming India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) effective July 15. Goyal also praised CareEdge for objective ratings and noted 22 country ratings were revised to align with CareEdge's findings.
Trade How India managed the Strait of Hormuz crisis without disrupting household energy supplies
India successfully managed the Strait of Hormuz crisis triggered by a US-Israel strike on Iran on February 28, avoiding disruption to household energy supplies. The response involved a rapid LPG Control Order, a surge in domestic LPG production from 35,000 to 54,000 tonnes/day, and diplomatic efforts to secure passage. The crisis was cushioned by a decade of infrastructure investments including doubling LPG import terminals to 22 and expanding refinery capacity to 258 million tonnes per annum.
Trade Europe risks sleepwalking into Chinese-built electric corridors, Splash247 warns
As battery-electric shortsea ships move to commercial deployment, Europe faces a strategic risk of outsourcing key infrastructure—yards, batteries, software, and standards—to China. Norway's Eitzen Group ordered two electric 900 TEU container ships from Zhejiang Dongpeng in June 2026, illustrating the trend. The article by Wolfgang Lehmacher argues that Europe's piecemeal policy approach contrasts with China's integrated industrial strategy, potentially locking European trades into a Chinese-built corridor operating system.
Trade Brexit cost 6% of UK economy, Bank of England company data suggests, study finds
A study using internal Bank of England data on thousands of British companies estimates Brexit has cost the UK economy 6% of GDP over a decade. Half the hit came from post-referendum uncertainty, the rest from rising trade barriers after leaving the customs union and single market in 2021. Bank Governor Andrew Bailey acknowledged the negative impact on growth and export markets.
Trade Washington and Tehran Issue Conflicting Messages on Strait of Hormuz Transits
The United States and Iran issued contradictory statements over the weekend on the status of the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command reported 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday, while Iran maintained the waterway was closed. Vessel-tracking data from Kpler showed only five ships passed on Sunday, down from 26 a day earlier, deepening confusion for shippers.
From Oman to Tanzania: How the Iran War Is Redrawing India's Trade Map
The Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions are redrawing India's trade map. Oman jumped from 30th to 10th import source (imports up 3.8x to $3.4 billion), while Tanzania became the 8th-largest export destination (up from 25th, shipments rising to $2.2 billion). Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal cited free trade agreements and alternative port access as key enablers.
Mixed impact for South Indian plantation exports due to West Asian turmoil: UPASI
The West Asian conflict has had sharply contrasting effects on South Indian plantation exports, according to UPASI. Tea exports to the region plunged 41% while cardamom exports surged 216% due to supply shortages in Guatemala. Pepper remains highly exposed, but coffee is largely insulated.
Trade Navy Drone Boat Rescues Apache Helicopter Crew Near Strait of Hormuz
A Navy-operated uncrewed surface vessel rescued the crew of a US Army Apache helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first known military personnel recovery by a drone boat. The incident highlights the expanding role of autonomous systems in high-risk maritime operations, with implications for commercial shipping security along critical trade routes.
Trade White Supremacist Youth Group Orchestrated Belfast Riots – Country Risk Alert
A white supremacist youth group, part of the Active Club movement, orchestrated violent protests in Belfast following a knife attack. The unrest, amplified by far-right figures and social media, signals heightened country risk for importers and exporters in Northern Ireland.
India's Growth Sustained by Strong Fundamentals: World Bank
The World Bank emphasizes India's robust economic fundamentals and strategic partnerships as key to sustaining growth despite geopolitical challenges. The food processing sector is identified as a promising area for expansion.
Trade Ukraine Strikes Escalate Russia's Fuel Crisis
Ukraine's intensified drone strikes on Russian-occupied territories have exacerbated Russia's fuel crisis, disrupting supply lines and causing severe shortages in Crimea. The strikes have targeted key logistics routes, affecting both civilian and military supplies.
Trade AI and Automation: Transforming Global Supply Chains
AI and automation are reshaping global supply chains by improving efficiency and reducing costs. This article explores the technologies driving these changes and their impact on international trade.
RBI Warns Monsoon Deficiency May Impact India's Trade
The Reserve Bank of India warns that a projected monsoon deficiency may affect rural demand and consumption, potentially impacting trade. The RBI has adjusted its GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.6% amid global supply chain disruptions.
Trade MSME Ministry Reviews West Asia Crisis Impact on Trade
The Indian MSME Ministry, led by Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, is reviewing the impact of the West Asia crisis on small businesses. The focus is on supply chain disruptions, raw material availability, and export-import challenges.
India Eyes Foreign Investment Amid US-Iran Conflict
India is set to remove capital gains tax on foreign portfolio investors' government securities to attract foreign investment amid the US-Iran conflict. The move aims to stabilize the economy and counteract foreign capital outflows.
Trade U.S. Imposes Tariffs on 60 Nations for Forced Labor Failures
The United States has announced new tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 countries failing to curb forced labor in export goods. This move aims to protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition.
US Targets 60 Nations Over Forced Labour, India Included
The US Trade Representative proposes additional tariffs on 60 countries, including India, due to forced labour concerns. The proposal, under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, suggests tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports.
Kerala Monsoon Onset Delayed, Rainfall 55% Below Normal
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a delayed monsoon onset over Kerala on June 4, with initial rainfall 55% below normal. This weather pattern could impact agricultural trade and import/export activities in India.
India's Growth Amid Middle East Conflict: Key Lessons
India's growth trajectory faces challenges from the Middle East conflict. Key lessons include strategic trade adjustments and economic resilience to maintain growth.
India's Trade Resilience Amid Middle East Conflict
India's economy demonstrates resilience despite challenges from the Middle East conflict, according to the Department of Economic Affairs. Rising crude oil prices and potential inflationary pressures are key concerns.
Monsoon Alert: Sri Lanka Hit, Kerala Next
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Trade UN Warns of Record Heat Impacting Global Trade
The UN projects record-breaking global temperatures over the next five years, posing significant risks to international trade. Importers and exporters must prepare for potential disruptions due to extreme weather events.
Monsoon Delays Raise Concerns in Lakshadweep
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Global temperatures to stay near record highs: WMO
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Western Disturbance May Impact India's Monsoon
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