Topic
imports
Logistics Port Houston container volumes fall 6% in July as import surge cools
Port Houston handled 369,899 TEUs in July, down 6% year over year, as container growth moderated after frontloading earlier in 2026. Loaded imports fell 3% but remain up 5% YTD, with East Asia driving a 10% gain. General cargo surged 42% while steel imports dropped 36%.
Logistics Port of Oakland reports steady laden volumes in July as imports fall
Port of Oakland saw July total container volume fall 11.4% year over year, but loaded cargo activity remained broadly stable through the first seven months of 2026. The port also welcomed Hapag-Lloyd's resumed WC5 service with the Missouri Express.
Commodities Indian refiners widen oil search as Ukrainian attacks hurt Russian crude flows
Indian refiners are cutting Russian crude purchases after Ukrainian attacks disrupted export flows, turning to West Africa, the Americas and the Persian Gulf for replacement barrels. Imports of Russian crude are expected to fall to about 2 million barrels a day this month, down from around 2.8 million in July, according to Kpler.
Commodities Sugar Falls as Weaker India Prices Curb Import Expectations
Raw sugar futures fell as much as 3% in New York to 17.13 cents/lb and white sugar dropped 3.9% in London after easing local prices in India reduced expectations for imports. India's new 1 million-ton duty-free import allowance and a redirection of advance-imported sugar reduce the need for fresh cargoes, according to analysts. Dry weather in Brazil and slipping crude prices add to bearish sentiment.
Commodities India's July Crude Oil Imports Rise Over 9% Month-on-Month, PPAC Data Shows
India's crude oil imports rose more than 9% month-on-month in July 2026, and 13% year-on-year, according to PPAC data cited by The Economic Times. Product exports rose over 8%, while fuel consumption hit a four-month high of 19.92 million metric tons. Refiners are facing a crude cost surge as Gulf premiums rise and Russian discounts vanish, the report added.
Commodities Indian steel mills face margin squeeze as global coking coal prices rise
Rising global coking coal prices, driven by supply disruptions in Australia, China and the Iran war, are squeezing Indian steel mill margins. Premium hard coking coal averaged $236 per metric tonne FOB Australia in Jan-Jul 2026, up 25% year-on-year, according to CRU. Steelmakers face higher costs and limited pricing power amid cheap Chinese steel competition.
Logistics Port of Los Angeles Posts Second-Highest July on Record as Consumer Demand Holds
The Port of Los Angeles moved 960,464 TEUs in July, its second-highest July total on record, according to FreightWaves. Total volume fell 6% year-over-year after 2025 frontloading but ran 7.5% above the five-year July average. Loaded imports reached 499,552 TEUs, while year-to-date volume rose 1.8%.
Commodities Why India Is Considering Sugar Imports as Domestic Prices Hit Record Levels
India is considering limited duty-free sugar imports, tighter stockholding limits, and lower import duties to rein in record sugar prices ahead of the festival season, according to Reuters. Wholesale prices in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, have jumped nearly 20% in August to a record Rs 5,350 per 100 kg despite official assessments of sufficient supplies. Any import decision would mark India's first significant sugar imports in nearly a decade and could support global sugar prices.
Trade India Seeks WTO Consultations With US Over 50% Tariff-Rate Quota on Quartz Surfaces
India has approached the WTO for consultations with the US over a new tariff-rate quota of up to 50% on quartz surface product imports. The move follows India's $380 million in exports in FY26 and marks the fourth such consultation case with Washington.
Commodities India's Pulses Imports Dip 1.46% in H1 2026 as Chana, Urad Slide
India's pulses imports fell 1.46% year-on-year to 31.80 lakh tonnes in the first half of 2026, according to an IPGA market update citing DGCIS data. Chana and urad imports declined, while tur surged 43.34%, masoor jumped 51.58% and yellow peas rose 17%, shifting the supplier mix toward African, Canadian and Australian origins.
Commodities India set for record soyoil imports as Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower shipments
India’s soyoil imports are set to hit a record 620,000 metric tons in August, nearly 46% above the monthly average, as the Russia-Ukraine war disrupts sunflower oil shipments. A narrowed premium over palm oil is driving buyers to switch, and imports are likely to exceed 600,000 tons in September.
Commodities US expected to become India's top LPG supplier with 55% import share: OPEC
OPEC's latest monthly report projects the US will emerge as India's largest LPG supplier, accounting for about 55% of imports, replacing the Middle East Gulf. The shift follows a 2025 sales agreement and is supported by record US propane and butane exports to India, while Indian imports from the Middle East have fallen sharply amid supply disruptions.
Commodities India's Russian crude imports hit record $6.4 billion in July, CREA data shows
India's crude oil imports from Russia reached a record value of about $6.4 billion in July 2026, surpassing the previous high of $5.14 billion in June, according to The Hindu BusinessLine and CREA. Russian crude inflows rose 2.1% month-on-month to €5.5 billion, even as Russia's oil product exports slumped to an all-time low. The Urals price discount to Brent held at 26% while the grade traded well above the EU-UK price cap.
Trade US report names India among 41 countries enabling Chinese goods to bypass tariffs
A US report titled 'The Great Transshipment Scam' authored by Peter Navarro classified India and 40 other countries as enablers of Chinese tariff evasion. The report estimated $67 billion in US-bound goods were trans-shipped through Mexico, India, and Vietnam in 2025, costing $28 billion in lost tariff revenue. It named India's Pune-Gujarat-Chennai belt among 'Ugly Sister City pairs' enabling the practice.
Commodities Indian refiners snap up crude months ahead as wars upend supply
Indian state-owned refiners are securing spot crude cargoes for October and November delivery, far earlier than usual, as Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy assets and the Strait of Hormuz standoff disrupt supply, according to Bloomberg. HPCL bought about 4 million Middle Eastern barrels for October, while MRPL booked West African oil. US sanctions threats and India's festival season are tightening the demand picture.
Commodities India urea import prices fall 12% as global fertilizer supply tightness eases
India, one of the world's biggest urea importers, received offers 12% below its June purchase price, signaling easing global fertilizer supply. State-run Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. drew more than 3 million tonnes of offers for its west coast tender at $393.65–$435 a tonne. The drop extends a decline from April's $959-per-tonne peak.
Logistics Port of Long Beach handles 928,508 TEUs in second-busiest July on record
The Port of Long Beach moved 928,508 TEUs in July, its second-busiest July on record and the fourth-strongest month in its 115-year history. Imports were nearly flat, exports rose 14.8%, and year-to-date throughput is up 1.2%, according to FreightWaves.
Commodities Russia now supplies more than half of India's crude oil imports, GTRI says
Russia accounted for 52% of India's crude oil imports in July 2026, up from 48.6% in June, according to GTRI. The report says the shift sharply limits India's ability to reduce Russian purchases at short notice, even as the US threatens tariffs of up to 100% on Russian energy.
Commodities India seeks more US LPG to cut West Asia reliance, aid trade deal
India has directed Indian Oil Corp., Bharat Petroleum Corp. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. to source at least 15% of 2027 LPG imports through US term contracts, according to Bloomberg. The move follows the country's first US term deals of 2.2 million tons and record US shipments of 3.9 million tons this year. LPG consumption fell 16% year-on-year to 2.35 million tons last month as Strait of Hormuz disruptions triggered shortages.
Trade China to Keep Anti-Dumping Duties on Indian Single-Mode Optical Fibre Imports
China will continue imposing anti-dumping duties on single-mode optical fibre imports from India, following a sunset review that found termination could lead to recurrence of dumping and harm China's domestic industry. Duty rates remain unchanged, ranging from 7.4% for Sterlite Technologies to 30.6% for Aksh Optifibre and Finolex Cables.
Trade Mexico tops US trade rankings in June as Laredo handles $36.5B in freight
Mexico remained the largest U.S. trading partner in June with $89.2 billion in two-way commerce, ahead of Canada and China, according to Census Bureau data. Laredo, Texas, led all U.S. gateways with $36.5 billion in cross-border trade, while the Laredo outbound tender rejection index jumped to 15.19%.
Logistics U.S. container imports surge 4.5% in July as China peak season momentum builds
U.S. containerized imports increased 4.5% month over month in July to 2,508,310 TEU, driven by a 7.2% jump in China-origin cargo, according to Descartes Systems Group. Volumes remain 4.3% below July 2025 levels amid trade-policy uncertainty and last year's frontloading. Gulf Coast gateways also posted gains, continuing a shift in U.S. freight flows.
Commodities HPCL, MRPL seek up to six million barrels of crude, documents show
State-run Indian refiners HPCL and MRPL are seeking up to a combined 6 million barrels of crude through spot tenders, with HPCL targeting up to 4 million barrels for September–October and MRPL up to 2 million barrels for October 10–20. MRPL's tender asks suppliers to avoid the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, while shipping traffic through the strait remains low amid West Asia hostilities.
Commodities Record cotton imports set to push 2026-27 opening stocks to new high of 93.59 lakh bales
India's 2026-27 cotton opening stocks are estimated at a record 93.59 lakh bales, up 68% from 55.59 lakh bales in 2025-26, driven by record imports. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) also raised its 2025-26 production estimate to 339 lakh bales.
Commodities Beijing’s Billion-Barrel Weapon: Why India Must Prepare for China-Driven Oil Prices
China has amassed up to 1.4 billion barrels of oil in strategic and enterprise-controlled inventories — more than three times the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve — giving Beijing price-making power as a global swing buyer. Business Today reports that India must prepare for China-driven crude price swings as Beijing’s opaque reserve policy becomes a core market variable.
Commodities India diversifies energy sourcing amid geopolitical risks; taps 15 countries for LNG, 41 for crude
India has expanded LNG imports to 15 supplier countries and crude oil to 41, up from six and 27 respectively, per a Rajya Sabha reply reported by Business Today. The diversification aims to cut dependence on any single country, region, or transit route amid geopolitical and maritime risks. India is also building additional strategic crude storage, including new reserves at Chandikhol and Padur plus an ONGC project in Karnataka.
Commodities India's Russian Crude Imports Hit Record for Second Straight Month, CREA Says
Indian refiners imported a record 2.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude in July 2026, the second straight monthly record, with purchases worth 5.5 billion euros, according to CREA. The surge was driven by smaller terminals such as HMEL Mundra and Vadinar, while Jamnagar and Paradip saw flat or lower volumes. Russia's Urals crude price fell 3% to $60.22 per barrel, still above the G7/EU price cap of $44.10.
Logistics China's coal buildout offers fresh ballast for dry bulk shipping
China's coal-fired power buildout is underpinning dry bulk shipping demand, with thermal coal burn at record highs and import prospects bullish, according to Commodore Research and other analysts. Despite a 1.4% dip in combined domestic coal production and imports, new plant construction and energy security priorities keep coal central to China's power strategy.
Commodities Import fears cast shadow over watermelon farmers ahead of new season
Watermelon growers in Gujarat and Rajasthan have asked the Indian government to keep import restrictions on watermelon seeds, warning that overseas shipments could undercut prices as the domestic crop reaches markets from September. Farmgate seed prices have already fallen to about ₹170 a kg from ₹245 amid rumours of relaxed imports, while growers report a 10-15 per cent domestic seed deficit.
Logistics Panama Canal Draft Cut to 47.5 Feet Threatens East Coast Port Volumes
According to FreightWaves, the Panama Canal Authority will reduce maximum vessel draft from 49.5 feet to 47.5 feet by September 3, cutting payload capacity for neo-panamax ships on Asia-U.S. East and Gulf Coast routes. MSC and CMA CGM have already imposed Canal-related surcharges, while low water on the Rhine River is pressuring European inland barge networks. Shippers face higher costs and should evaluate West Coast and Canadian intermodal alternatives.
Strong peak demand pumps trans-Pac box rates
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Commodities India approves Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme for compressed bio-gas to cut LNG import reliance
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme to expand compressed bio-gas production as a domestic alternative to LNG imports. India imports around 50% of its natural gas consumption, and the Strait of Hormuz disruption impacted 55–60% of LNG imports. The scheme includes capex support, credit guarantees and an administered CBG price.
Trade Trump administration refunds $100 billion in tariffs struck down by US Supreme Court
The Trump administration has refunded about $100 billion in tariffs after the US Supreme Court struck down duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. About 60% of the $166 billion collected had been refunded by July 31, according to a filing cited by Reuters. The refunds went to importers, not consumers.
Trade Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff refunds hit $100bn, court filing shows
Donald Trump's administration has paid back $100bn (£78bn) in 'Liberation Day' tariff refunds to US businesses, roughly 60% of all tariff revenue collected under the policy, according to a US Customs and Border Protection court filing cited by BBC Business. Nearly $29bn in claims remains under review and $1.6bn is awaiting importers' banking details. Amazon received about $600m in refunds in the second quarter.
Commodities Indian Refiners Buy West Asian and West African Crude, Sources Say
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals bought 1 million barrels of Oman crude via tender at about a $3-per-barrel premium to dated Brent, according to trade sources. Indian Oil Corp purchased 4 million barrels of West African crude including Angolan Nemba, Saxi Batuque, Clov and Congo's Djeno, all from Chevron.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Govt Operationalises Inventory-Based Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Framework for Indian Manufacturers and MSMEs
The Indian government has operationalised the Inventory-based Cross-Border E-Commerce Export Framework under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, according to News on AIR. The framework provides a policy architecture for inventory-based exports of goods made in India, ensures timely payments to sellers, and is expected to boost participation of manufacturers and MSMEs in global e-commerce supply chains.
Trade Despite swadeshi push, anti-dumping duties against Chinese firms crawl
The Economic Times reports that a September 2025 DGTR recommendation for anti-dumping duties on Chinese crawlers and truck cranes remains unimplemented, pending finance ministry approval. Domestic manufacturers say the delay is causing severe harm, with several companies set to shut manufacturing operations despite the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
Trade Bangladesh Rejects Indian Rice Consignment on Quality Issues; Trade Suspects Politics
Bangladesh rejected an 11,500-tonne consignment of non-basmati parboiled rice from India on quality grounds, despite samples being cleared. Trade sources attribute the move to politics under the Tarique Rehman government, while shipping agents deny the quality issue. Only 3,500 tonnes were offloaded and the rest returned.
Commodities India to fund ₹650 crore per well for 60 deep-sea wells to break its oil import habit
India's Union Cabinet approved the ₹84,084-crore Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme, funding half the cost of deep-sea exploration wells up to ₹650 crore each for 60 wells over five years. The scheme aims to add 10-15 million tonne of oil equivalent annually, reducing import dependence by 3-5 per cent.
July GST collections up 15.4% to Rs 2.1 L cr on higher imports
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Commodities India's Russian crude imports may hit 3 mbd record on Red Sea disruptions, Kpler says
India's crude oil imports from Russia could reach a new record of 3 million barrels per day (mbd) if disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea persist, according to Kpler. Current imports stand at about 2.6 mbd, accounting for roughly 55% of total crude imports, as Russian crude remains India's strongest supply hedge.
Commodities India Seeks Sunflower Oil Alternatives as Black Sea Disruptions Delay Shipments and Raise Prices
India, the world's largest edible oil importer, is scrambling for sunflower oil alternatives as attacks in the Black Sea delay shipments from top producers Russia and Ukraine by up to 60 days and push prices higher. Importers are turning to South American suppliers and rival oils like palm and soy, with palm imports expected to jump 40% in July. Local sunflower oil prices rose 6% this month, widening the premium over alternatives.
Commodities Cotton imports likely to rise to a record 60 lakh bales in 2025–26 season: CAI
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has raised its cotton import projection for the 2025-26 season to a record 60 lakh bales (170 kg each), up 13 lakh bales from its earlier estimate, citing duty-free imports and robust mill purchasing. Exports were revised down to 15 lakh bales, while domestic consumption was increased by 10 lakh bales to 348 lakh bales. Total supply for the season is estimated at 452.59 lakh bales.
Logistics Indian Oil to Acquire 50% Stake in VLGCs as US LPG Imports Surge
Indian Oil Corporation plans to acquire a 50% stake in very large gas carriers (VLGCs) as it prepares to increase LPG imports from the United States. The move responds to a sharp rise in US LPG purchases—volumes in June were 145% higher than February—while Middle Eastern supplies decline. The tender targets vessels of 80,000-93,500 cubic metres, with bids due September 7.
Commodities India Plans to Source Up to Quarter of 2027 LPG Imports From United States, Sources Say
India plans to buy up to a quarter of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the United States in 2027, according to three sources. The move would reduce dependence on the Middle East and help secure a trade deal with Washington. State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum are expected to issue tenders within one to two months for US LPG supplies.
Commodities Russian Supply Disruption and Red Sea Threats Pose Fresh Risk to India's August Crude Imports
India's August crude oil imports face risk from Russian supply disruption after Ukrainian attacks on Novorossiysk port, as well as continued Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping. Russia, which supplies 50% of India's imports, saw July exports drop ~400,000 bpd MoM. Higher freight costs and shrinking discounts on Urals crude threaten to inflate India's import bill. Brent crude futures rose above $100/bbl on July 23.
Trade New U.S. Tariffs Target Imports From China, Mexico, Canada and 57 Other Economies
The Trump administration replaced its temporary 10% global tariff with a new Section 301 tariff regime covering 60 economies that account for 99.4% of U.S. imports. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, took effect July 24, 2026, and are based on forced labor investigations. Hundreds of product exemptions and tariff-rate quotas for textiles were also announced.
Commodities India Imports Over 32 Lakh Tonnes of Fertiliser in Q1, Secures Long-Term Overseas Supply Deals
India imported over 32 lakh tonnes of key fertilisers in the first quarter of the current financial year, supplementing domestic production of 115.72 lakh tonnes. The government is diversifying import sources through long-term agreements with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other nations to mitigate supply chain risks.
Commodities India imports 25.08 lakh tonnes of urea in Q1, diversifies fertiliser supply sources
India imported 25.08 lakh tonnes of urea and 7.11 lakh tonnes of DAP in April-June 2025-26, according to government data. The Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda informed Parliament that the government is diversifying import sources, including long-term agreements with Saudi Arabia and Russia, to mitigate supply chain risks.
Commodities Government restricts low-priced suspension-grade PVC resin imports for six months
The Indian government has restricted imports of low-priced suspension-grade PVC resin for six months by imposing a minimum import price of USD 0.766 per kg. The move, effective immediately, changes the import policy from 'Free' to 'Restricted' for S-PVC under HS code 39041020. Exemptions are granted to export-oriented units (EOUs), SEZs, and units under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, provided the imported inputs are not sold into the domestic tariff area. The policy change follows an anti-dumping investigation by the DGTR that found material injury to domestic producers from dumped imports.
Trade US Imposes New Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners Over Forced Labour Claims
The United States is imposing new tariffs on imports from approximately 60 trading partners over allegations of inadequate action against forced labour. Duties range from 10% to 12.5% and target key economies including the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, and India, effective Friday. Canada faces additional 50% duties on some goods. The move escalates the global trade war reignited by President Donald Trump.
Commodities BPCL: No discounts on Russian crude for September cargoes amid Houthi threats
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) reported that traders have stopped offering discounts on Russian crude for September 2026 delivery, as Houthi threats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait push Brent crude past $100 per barrel. The company has secured July/August supplies and booked some September cargoes, but faces uncertainty on future discounts. BPCL also posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,873 crore in Q1 FY27, citing stable retail fuel prices and LPG under-recoveries.
Intermodal Rail Volume Surges 7.2% as Carload Freight Slips in Weekly AAR Data
The Association of American Railroads reported intermodal traffic jumped 7.2% year-on-year in the week ending July 18, while carloads declined 1.2%. Total combined volume rose 3.4%. Year-to-date intermodal units are up 3.8%, and carloads up 2.9%. Coal and motor vehicles led carload declines. The data, covering U.S. railroads and North American networks, shows intermodal continuing to outpace traditional rail freight.
Logistics Fertiliser Vessels Stranded at Indian Ports as Peak Kharif Sowing Season Faces Disruption
Port congestion at Kandla, Mundra, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) and Chennai has stranded multiple fertiliser-carrying vessels, delaying unloading and distribution during the critical kharif sowing season. The delays are exacerbated by rerouting due to geopolitical tensions, monsoon disruptions, and inland logistics bottlenecks. One vessel carrying 60,000 tonnes of DAP/NPK and another with 7,000 tonnes of urea have been awaiting berthing at Kandla since July 14.
Trade Trump's Generic Drug Tariffs Explained: What It Means for Indian Pharma Before the 200% Storm
US President Donald Trump unveiled a phased tariff plan for imported generic medicines: duty-free for two years from August 1, then 100% for one year, followed by 200%. For Indian drugmakers, the plan offers temporary relief but signals a long-term shift. India's pharma exports to the US account for 34% of total pharma exports, worth $30.47 billion in 2024-25. Leading companies with US manufacturing operations may have greater flexibility.
Commodities Russia, Latin America Fill Gap as India's Middle East Oil Imports Fall on Hormuz Disruptions
India's crude oil imports from the Middle East dropped 27% year-on-year in the April-June quarter to 1.55 million barrels per day, constrained by disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Imports from the CIS, including Russia, surged 8.3% to 2.26 million barrels per day, with Russian crude hitting an all-time high of 2.64 million barrels per day in June. Imports from Latin American suppliers such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Angola also increased, as Indian refiners adapted to supply route disruptions.
Trade Trump Imposes New 50% Tariffs on $20 Billion in Canadian Imports Using Section 338
President Trump on Monday announced new 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian imports using Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The duties, effective in 30 days, target Canadian goods after allegations of discrimination against U.S. autos, dairy, and alcohol. Exemptions include energy, critical minerals, and products already covered under Section 232.
Trade Trump Signs Executive Order Imposing 50% Tariff on Canadian Imports Effective August 19
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 50% tariff on a wide range of Canadian imports, effective 19 August, in retaliation for what he called 'unequal treatment' of US cars, dairy and alcohol. The tariffs cover consumer items like wine and hockey sticks and industrial goods such as commercial cement, but exclude energy, potash, critical minerals and fish.
Trade UK Trade Deal: India Invites Applications for Car Import Quota Under CETA
India's DGFT has invited applications for the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for importing 0.378 million conventional-engine passenger cars from the UK at a concessional 10% customs duty, down from 110%, under the India-UK CETA. The application window runs from July 21 to August 4, 2026.
Commodities Hormuz Disruptions: India's Russian Oil Imports Near Record in July Despite No US Sanctions Waiver
India's crude oil imports from Russia stayed near record highs in July, averaging 2.45 million barrels per day, despite the US not granting a sanctions waiver. UAE and Saudi Arabia are the second and third largest suppliers, while Venezuela entered the top five. Industry experts highlight India's flexible sourcing strategy amid the Hormuz disruption.