Topic
imports
Commodities India must boost oilseed yields to cut edible oil imports, SEA chief says
India's record oilseed production of 43.06 million tonnes in 2025-26 is overshadowed by 60% import dependence for edible oils. SEA chief Sanjeev Asthana urges yield improvements, a National Oilseeds Mission, and use of cottonseed and rice bran oils to reduce imports to 9.5-10 million tonnes by 2030. Monsoon risks and geopolitical disruptions add uncertainty.
Trade India's gold imports surge 81.7% in April as duty hike fails to curb demand
India's gold imports jumped 81.7% year-on-year to $5.63 billion in April 2026, just before the government raised import duties on 13 May. Even after the duty hike, imports rose 34% in May to $3.42 billion, according to a GTRI report. The total effective tax burden now stands at about 18.4%.
Trade India's Goods Exports Hit Record $45.2 Billion in May, Imports at 7-Month High
India’s goods exports reached a record $45.2 billion in May, up 18% year-on-year, driven by engineering goods and oil products. Imports rose 20.5% to $73.4 billion, a seven-month high, widening the trade deficit to $28.2 billion. Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal cited higher oil prices, supply chain restoration, and normalising shipments to West Asia.
Trade Gold Imports Rise 34% to $3.41 Billion in May; Silver Shipments Plunge Over 86%
India's gold imports rose 34% year-on-year to $3.41 billion in May 2026, while silver imports plunged over 86% to $75.57 million, following the government's import duty hike on precious metals from 6% to 15% effective May 13. The rise in gold imports pushed the trade deficit to $28.21 billion. Switzerland remained the top gold source with about 40% share, though imports from Switzerland dropped 57.73% in May.
Trade India's Exports to US Flat in May 2025 as Imports Surge 54.43%
India's exports to the US remained flat at USD 8.82 billion in May 2025, while imports surged 54.43% to USD 3.8 billion. Overall bilateral trade data for April-May 2026-27 shows marginal export growth and significant import increase. Trade with China also saw notable shifts, with exports up 24.8% and imports up 23.4%.
Trade India's Silver Imports Plunge to Over Three-Year Low in May as Curbs and Higher Duties Hit Inflows
India's silver imports tumbled to their lowest level in over three years in May, dropping 87% year-on-year to $75.57 million, as the government tightened import restrictions and raised duties to 15%. In volume terms, imports plunged 94% to 33 metric tonnes, the weakest since February 2023. The measures aim to curb precious metal imports and ease pressure on the rupee and trade deficit.
Commodities India’s Silver Imports Plunge 87% in May After Government Curbs Bite
India's silver imports fell 87% year-on-year in May 2026 to $75.57 million and 33 metric tons, the lowest in over three years, as the government tightened import curbs on nearly all forms of silver. The restrictions, including a duty hike to 15%, aim to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Lower imports by the world's largest silver consumer could weigh on global prices and narrow India's trade deficit.
Logistics DOT Pre-Screen Container Plan Aims to Cut Costs, Speed Supply Chains
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the American Supply Chain Sovereignty Initiative, which would pre-screen import containers to streamline freight movement. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the plan at the Port of Los Angeles, comparing it to TSA PreCheck. The initiative aims to reduce delays and lower costs as 52 million containers were processed at U.S. ports in 2025, with only 3-5% physically inspected.
Commodities India's 2026-27 cotton carry-forward stocks seen 42% higher at 85 lakh bales on import surge
India's cotton carry-forward stocks at the start of the 2026-27 season are projected to rise 42% to over 85 lakh bales, driven by higher imports following the government's import duty exemption. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) reports imports of 43.5 lakh bales by end-May 2026, with total imports expected to reach 60-65 lakh bales. Despite price parity, textile mills prefer imported cotton due to 4% higher yarn realisation and a ₹7/kg premium on yarn.
Commodities Chennai Company Slashes India's Popcorn Maize Imports, Doubles Domestic Output
Gourmet Popcornica Pvt. Ltd., a Chennai-based company, has slashed India's popcorn maize imports from 70% to 15% of demand over a decade. Domestic production more than doubled to 85,000 tonnes, grown by 17,500 farmers across nine states on 36,000 acres. The company employs 800 workers and is mechanizing cultivation to cut costs.
Commodities India’s Soyabean Imports May Touch Record 9 Lakh Tonnes for Oil Year 2025-26
India’s soyabean imports are projected to hit a record 9 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 oil year, driven by a domestic supply shortfall. The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) raised its forecast from an earlier estimate of 6 lakh tonnes, with imports from sub-Saharan Africa filling the gap. Domestic production fell 14% due to weather, pushing soyameal prices up 40% and impacting the feed sector.
Logistics 12 ships carrying 6 lt of urea and DAP may head to India once Strait of Hormuz opens
The Indian government announced sufficient fertilizer stocks for the kharif season, with 196.65 lakh tonnes available as of June 14. Twelve ships carrying 3.3 lt of urea and 2.57 lt of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) are awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expected to take 7-10 days to reach India once reopened.
Trade Shippers Say Renewed Tax on Chinese Ships Could Put Some U.S. Ag Producers Out of Business
Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Elizabeth Warren are urging the Trump administration to reinstate port fees on Chinese cargo vessels, which were suspended until November 2026. The Agriculture Transportation Coalition warns the fees could put some U.S. agricultural producers out of business by dramatically increasing shipping costs and singling out exports for the harshest measures.
Trade Commerce tariff finding on van imports may offer relief to Wabash National
The U.S. Commerce Department imposed preliminary countervailing duties on van trailer imports from China (82.3%-128.7%) and Mexico (<2%), following a complaint by the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition. The move may provide relief to Wabash National, which recently received a debt downgrade from S&P Global Ratings. The duties require immediate cash deposits, with final determinations expected in mid-August for China and mid-December for Mexico.
Trade UK vows to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by new year
The UK government has committed to banning imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil by 1 January 2027, as part of its sanctions package following the war with Ukraine. The temporary licence for such imports will be reviewed every two weeks and could be revoked earlier. The move has drawn criticism from the EU and campaigners.
Trade India's edible oil imports rise 6.7% in May on higher soyabean oil
India's edible oil imports increased 6.7% year-on-year to nearly 13.39 lakh tonnes in May 2026, driven by higher shipments of crude soyabean oil, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA). The government raised tariff values on crude palm oil effective June 1, while the share of refined oils in total imports fell sharply.
Commodities India Likely to Boost Urea Imports Beyond 17 LT as Tender Prices Plunge Over 50%
India's National Fertilizer Ltd (NFL) tender received bids over 50% lower than the previous Indian Potash Ltd round, with lowest prices at $449/tonne west coast and $445/tonne east coast. The government is considering boosting imports beyond 17 lakh tonnes if suppliers match L1 rates, while China may reconsider exports due to low prices.
Commodities India Palm Oil Imports Rise in May but Stay Below Average Levels
India's palm oil imports edged up 7% month-on-month in May to 549,356 metric tons, rebounding from a four-month low but remaining below the 632,000-ton monthly average of the previous marketing year. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) reported that soyoil imports surged 37% as its price advantage over palm oil narrowed, while sunflower oil imports fell nearly 32%. Total vegetable oil imports rose 4.2% to 1.37 million tons, the highest in three months.
Trade India Grants Retrospective Customs Duty Relief on Nuclear Power Equipment Import
India's Finance Ministry issued a notification granting retrospective customs duty relief on imports of select nuclear power generation equipment. The relief covers goods imported from April 2019 to January 2026, ensuring importers face no retrospective duty claims.
Commodities Soymeal Prices Surge, Prompting Calls for Imports
The livestock industry in India is urging the government to allow the import of 1.5 million tonnes of soymeal due to a significant price surge. This demand arises from high domestic prices of soybean and maize, exacerbated by lower local production and global market conditions.
Trade Silver imports via authorised channels only
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Trade India Requires Prior Authorisation for Silver Imports
India has introduced a new policy requiring prior authorisation for silver imports, effective immediately. This move aims to regulate the inflow of silver from key trading partners like the UAE, Britain, and China.
Trade Trump Alters Tariffs to Boost US Metal Industry
President Trump has revised tariffs on copper, aluminum, and iron imports to stimulate the US manufacturing sector. The changes, effective until December 31, 2027, aim to encourage investment in the nation's industrial base.