Topic
Gsp Preferences
Trade Borderlands Mexico: USMCA Gives Mexico an Edge as Global Trade Barriers Rise
Mexico is experiencing a technology-driven export boom, with Chapter 84 machinery exports doubling to roughly $200 billion, according to BBVA México. The country now supplies a record 17% of U.S. imports in early 2026, surpassing China as the leading supplier of advanced technology products. The USMCA gives Mexico a tariff advantage as global trade barriers rise.
Trade India's exports from SEZs up 11.8% in 2025-26, government data shows
India's exports from special economic zones grew 11.8% in 2025-26, according to government data cited by the Economic Times. Pharmaceutical exports rose from USD 15.43 billion in 2014-15 to USD 31.12 billion in 2025-26. The government also disclosed Certificates of Origin issued under the UAE, Australia and Oman trade pacts.
Trade India Targets 10% Share in Global Merchandise Exports by 2047: WTO Report
India aims to increase its share of global merchandise exports from about 1.8% in 2024 to around 10% by 2047, according to a WTO report. The report highlights export promotion under the Viksit Bharat vision, India's stance on WTO reform, and recent customs duty changes eliminating the highest rates.
Trade IVPA Seeks Policy Review as Refined Edible Oil Imports from Nepal Breach 8 Lakh Tonnes
The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) has urged the government to review trade policy after duty-free refined edible oil imports from Nepal under SAFTA surged from 47,295 tonnes in 2023 to over 8.04 lakh tonnes in 2025 – a 17-fold increase. IVPA warns that the trend is shifting refining activity outside India, affecting domestic capacity utilisation, investment, and farmer welfare, and calls for stricter Rules of Origin verification under CAROTAR.
Trade India’s edible oil industry flags 17-fold surge in Nepal imports, seeks policy review
India’s edible oil imports from Nepal have surged more than 17-fold in two years, from 47,295 tonnes in 2023 to over 804,000 tonnes in 2025, according to the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers' Association (IVPA). The industry body is urging a comprehensive policy review under SAFTA, citing duty-free imports that are shifting refining activity outside India and causing an estimated customs revenue loss of ₹2,000–2,500 crore. IVPA President Sudhakar Desai called for stronger verification of Rules of Origin and a review of tariff structures to safeguard domestic value addition.
Trade India-UK FTA Unlikely to Significantly Hurt Domestic Consumer Brands, Industry Leaders Say
Industry leaders including Amul and Britannia say the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is unlikely to significantly hurt domestic consumer brands. Customs duties will be progressively reduced over up to 10 years, with 99% of India's exports gaining duty-free access and India cutting tariffs on 90% of lines covering 92% of UK imports. Premium categories may see increased competition but overall pricing impact expected to be limited.
Trade India-UK Trade Deal: Luxury Cars Get Cheaper, but Scotch Whisky Tariff Cuts Will Take Time
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CETA) entered into force on July 15, 2026, immediately lowering import duties on luxury cars from the UK. Tariffs on Scotch whisky and other premium spirits will be reduced gradually over ten years, with the standard 150% duty on such drinks falling to 75% by Year 10. Consumer benefits for spirits will depend on state-level taxes and company pricing decisions.
Trade The biggest prize in the India-UK FTA may not be an export boost
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement may have its largest impact not in immediate export growth but in expanding India's exporter base by building lasting trade capabilities. A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) argues that tariff reductions alone are insufficient; India must strengthen standards, certifications, and logistics. The real benefit lies in creating thousands of new exporters, particularly among SMEs in textiles, garments, leather, footwear, marine products, processed foods, and gems and jewellery.
Trade India-UK FTA Takes Effect: Scotch Whisky, Cars, Silver See Major Tariff Cuts
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect on July 15, 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade. Under the deal, 99% of India's tariff lines gain duty-free access to the UK, while India phases down duties on British goods including Scotch whisky, premium cars, silver, and medical devices over five to ten years. Key sectors such as dairy and cereals remain protected.
Trade India-UK CETA Comes Into Force, Delivering Zero-Duty Access for Nearly 99% of Indian Exports
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the concurrent Social Security Agreement entered into force on July 15, 2026. The pact provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India's exports, covering almost 100% of trade value, and eliminates tariffs on labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods. The Social Security Agreement exempts temporary Indian workers from UK National Insurance contributions for up to five years, benefiting over 75,000 professionals and 900 companies.
Trade India-UK Free Trade Deal Takes Effect: Textile and Scotch Whisky Tariffs Slashed
The India-UK free trade agreement came into effect on July 14, 2026, eliminating or reducing tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and 90% of UK imports into India. The deal is expected to boost textile exports from companies like Welspun Living and cut Scotch whisky duties from 150% to 75% immediately, with further reductions over 10 years.
Trade Brexit at 10: UK Economy Still Shrinking as Trade Barriers Persist with EU
A decade after the 2016 referendum, Brexit's economic impact is measured at a 4-8% GDP loss, with businesses still grappling with customs paperwork and non-tariff barriers on EU trade. Public opinion has shifted, with 52% now supporting rejoining, but the Labour government rules out a return to the single market.
Trade 'Target Indians and Indians alone': New Zeland foreign minister Winston Peters alleges ‘covert’ immigration changes under FTA
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has accused the government of covertly introducing immigration changes that discriminate against Indian citizens under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Trade Minister Todd McClay dismissed the claims as misinformation, while the FTA bill passed its first reading in Parliament.
Trade India Finance Ministry Notifies Rules of Origin for Goods Under India-UK Trade Pact
India's Finance Ministry has notified the rules of origin for goods under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The rules, effective July 15, 2026, are critical for exporters to claim duty-free access covering 99% of India's exports to the UK. CBIC will oversee implementation, with authorised entities issuing certificates of origin.
Trade Nuclear Power Push: India Eyes Uranium Supply Pact with Australia During PM Modi’s Visit
India is expected to sign a uranium supply agreement with Australia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Melbourne. The pact would secure fuel for India's expanding nuclear program. Additionally, the two countries are advancing agreements on critical minerals, cybersecurity, and clean energy. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), effective December 29, 2022, has boosted bilateral trade to $54.4 billion in FY25.
Trade Ten Years After Brexit, Economic Damage to UK Trade Becomes Evident
New economic studies confirm Brexit has significantly reduced UK-EU trade diversity. According to the BBC, the UK Trade Policy Observatory at Sussex University found a 26% drop in export varieties by 2023, while Aston University research shows a 54% loss in export types and 32% in imports. Start-up Eskimo highlighted how non-tariff barriers, despite zero tariffs, slashed its EU exports from 40% to 5%.
Trade UK PM Keir Starmer Turned India-UK FTA into His Tenure-Defining Deal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force on July 15, following his meeting with PM Modi at the G7 Summit. The deal aims to boost the £48 billion bilateral trade relationship. Starmer emphasized the opportunities as India is set to become the third largest economy by 2028.
Trade India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Be Signed by December, Effective Early 2027: Piyush Goyal
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-EU FTA will be signed by December 2026 and come into force between February and March 2027. The deal will provide duty-free access to 93% of Indian exports, while EU luxury cars and wines will become cheaper in India. US trade representative Jamieson Greer will also visit India for trade talks.
Trade India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Be Signed by December, Implemented from February-March Next Year: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-EU free trade agreement will be signed by December and implemented from February-March next year. The deal, described as the 'mother of all deals', will provide almost zero-duty access to the 27-nation EU bloc for Indian exports, while imports of luxury cars and wines from the EU will become less expensive. Negotiations concluded on January 27, and the second round of CEPA talks was held in May.
Trade How the 14-Point U.S.-Iran MOU Could Reshape Global Supply Chains
U.S. and Iranian leaders are set to sign a 14-point MOU on Friday in Switzerland, aiming to end fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin 60 days of final negotiations. The deal includes immediate ceasefire, U.S. naval blockade removal, Iran clearing mines, and Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports. The Strait, which carried one-fifth of global oil supply, was closed earlier this year, causing price spikes and shipping delays. The MOU targets energy flows first and could lower fuel costs across supply chains.
Trade India-UK Free Trade Agreement to Take Effect from July 15, 2026
The India-UK free trade agreement and social security deal will be operational from July 15, 2026, after talks between PM Modi and PM Starmer in Evian. The deal eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, resolves steel tariff issues via quotas, and includes duty cuts on Scotch whisky (150% to 40%), automobiles (100% to 10%), and cosmetics (22% to 0%).
Trade India Weighs Extending 40-Product Import Duty Exemption Beyond June 30 Amid West Asia Tensions
India is considering extending a temporary customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products beyond June 30, 2026, according to Economic Times. The exemption, effective April 2, aims to cushion supply chain disruptions from West Asia tensions and reduced Strait of Hormuz cargo flows.
Trade India to Allow Import of 3.78 Lakh UK Cars at Concessional Duty in First 15 Years of Trade Pact
Under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), India will permit the import of 3.78 lakh (378,000) passenger cars from the UK at concessional duties over 15 years. Import duties on automotive products will drop from about 110% to 10%, with phased quotas. The pact takes effect on July 15.
Trade India-UK social security pact to slash costs for firms; up to 95% of Indian professionals to gain
The India-UK social security pact, effective July 15 alongside the free trade agreement, will exempt 90-95% of Indian professionals in the UK from dual contributions. The move is expected to lower employment costs for Indian companies and strengthen IT and professional services sectors.