Topic
trade
Logistics Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic slightly rises amid Iran-Oman talks
Visible commodity vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz rose to 10 on Wednesday from eight on Tuesday, according to Kpler data reported by Reuters, but remained below the 10-day average of about 15 vessels. Iran and Oman are still working on agreement details, while traffic at the Bab el-Mandeb strait slowed for a second day to 19 vessels.
Trade India-EU FTA Breakthrough Driven by Realism, Pragmatism, Says EU Ambassador
The EU Ambassador told ANI that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement breakthrough was driven by realism and pragmatism, with negotiations concluded in a little over a year after gaining momentum from 2025. He said CBAM would primarily affect Indian steel and iron exports, and that low-emission steelmakers could benefit. The FTA is expected to be signed within less than a year, supported by parallel cooperation on investment protection and technology.
Trade India seeks review and expansion of 15-year-old free trade pact with Japan
India on Wednesday reiterated its demand for a review of the 15-year-old Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and signalled willingness to expand the pact's scope, Business-Today reported. Bilateral trade stands at $27.5 billion, with India's trade deficit widening to $15.5 billion from $11 billion in 2022-23.
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.
Trade India, Japan Working to Expand Scope of Trade Pact, Piyush Goyal Says
India and Japan are working to expand the scope of their 15-year-old CEPA, Minister Piyush Goyal said. Two-way commerce grew 9.18 per cent to USD 27.47 billion in 2025-26, while the trade deficit widened to USD 15.4 billion.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 priority markets outpace three-year average
India's rice exports to 26 priority markets totalled ₹23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes between November 2025 and March 2026, exceeding the three-year average by 1.1% in value and 5.6% in volume. Eleven of 26 markets saw year-on-year growth in both value and volume, led by the UAE. The industry is shifting toward promoting specific Indian rice varieties through culinary pairings at BIRC 2026.
Logistics Hormuz Shock Sends Jebel Ali Tumbling Out of Global Top 30 Container Rankings
Jebel Ali fell from 10th to 32nd in global container port rankings as the Strait of Hormuz disruption cut H1 throughput to 3.14m teu, less than half of last year's 7.77m teu. DP World shifted 500,000 teu via Gulf road and rail corridors and signed a 50-year deal for a new Fujairah terminal. Ningbo-Zhoushan overtook Singapore for the first time in Alphaliner's half-year rankings.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 markets rise despite challenges; BIRC 2026 to drive diversification
India's rice exports to a 26-market basket reached Rs 23,476 crore, with volumes of 4.79 million tonnes in the November-March period, beating the prior three-year average. Growth was led by the UAE, Belgium and Germany, with 11 of 26 markets rising in both value and volume. BIRC 2026 aims to shift India from volume-led to application-led rice export diversification, including an ITC Hotels-curated Global Rice Festival.
Logistics Mexican trucking group urges US to clarify B-1 visa revocations
Mexican trucking chamber CANACAR is urging U.S. Customs and Border Protection to clarify B-1 visa revocation rules, warning that inconsistent cabotage enforcement is pulling drivers off cross-border routes. CANACAR estimates 150–200 drivers in Mexicali and roughly 25,000 across the northern border have lost visas in 2026, threatening capacity on U.S.-Mexico lanes.
Commodities India emerges as new ‘swing supplier’ of refined oil products as Middle East crisis reshapes
India is emerging as a global 'swing supplier' of refined oil products, with Singapore becoming its largest export destination at $4.3 billion. Refinery capacity expansion, discounted Russian crude and supply disruptions in Russia and the Middle East are driving the shift, according to Business-Today.
Trade Target gets $1bn boost from Trump tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling
Target received almost $1bn (£733.9m) in tariff refunds from the US government, boosting its Q2 operating income to $2.6bn. The payment followed a Supreme Court ruling that declared a wave of President Donald Trump's tariffs unlawful. The retailer is using the money to invest in price while reducing its reliance on China.
Commodities Coffee Board and SCAI announce third India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru for February 2027
The Coffee Board of India and the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) announced the third India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2027), scheduled for Bengaluru in February 2027, with participation expected from over 50 countries. Organisers cited rising global demand for Indian coffee and an expanding domestic speciality coffee culture as the backdrop to the event.
Trade Trump Tariffs Fail to Dent India's Export Dependence on US; Share Stays Near 20%
The US remains India's largest export market at roughly 20% of shipments despite tariff rates peaking at 50%. Exports to the US reached $88.5 billion in the 12 months through July, while New Delhi accelerates FTA negotiations to diversify trade.
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.
Logistics US Ends Extra Security Measures on Ships Calling Nigeria
The US Coast Guard removed Nigeria from its Port Security Advisory, ending 12 years of additional security requirements for ships trading from Nigerian ports to the US. The change takes effect August 19, 2026, following four US Coast Guard assessments that showed improved ISPS Code implementation.
Logistics Panama Canal Rations Capacity, Trims Draft as Red Dots Warn of El Niño Drought
The Panama Canal is rationing daily booking capacity and cutting maximum neopanamax draft ahead of an expected El Niño-driven drought, with Gatun Lake levels projected to keep falling through October. MSC introduced a $100 per TEU surcharge on Asia–US East/Gulf coast cargo, while CMA CGM raised canal-related charges, according to Splash247.
Trade India's exports to US hold firm after a year of Trump's tariffs
US tariffs peaked at 50% on Indian goods before falling to 10%, yet the US still accounts for about 20% of India's exports. India signed trade deals with the UK, EU, Oman and New Zealand to diversify, while exports to China surged 42%.
Trade US-Canada tariff row eases: Trump pauses 50% levies after last-minute deal
The US and Canada reached a last-minute deal Tuesday, prompting President Donald Trump to pause planned 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports for three days. The tariffs, based on Section 338 of the US Tariff Act of 1930, would have hit about 5% of Canadian exports. Broader negotiations continue under the USMCA, with Ottawa seeking relief on steel, aluminium and softwood lumber.
Trade India-Japan Trade at USD 27.5 Billion in FY 2025-26 Still Fraction of Potential: Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at around USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26, calling it still a fraction of the potential. Addressing the UP-Japan Investment Meet 2026, he noted a target of 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment in India over the next decade.
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%.
Trade Rupee, price tailwinds for Indian exporters may fade in H2FY27: Nuvama
Nuvama's Q1FY27 Earnings Review says Indian exporters' top-line growth accelerated to 15% year-on-year in the April-June quarter from 6% in FY26, driven by rupee depreciation and higher prices. The brokerage warns these tailwinds will start fading in H2FY27, with currency movements a key risk for IT and other overseas-revenue sectors.
Commodities British Wool Prices Surge 70% as Global Demand Rises and Flocks Shrink
Wool prices have climbed more than 70% in a year, with clean shorn wool averaging £2.54/kg in the latest sale versus under £1.50 a year ago, according to BBC News. A smaller British flock, fewer sheep in New Zealand, and the clearance of Covid-era wool stockpiles are driving the rally, which pushed prices to a 10-year high. Farmers like Wyn Williams say the higher prices help cover shearing costs.
Trade India's Tanker Exports Surge Over Six-Fold to USD 1.36 Billion in Q1 FY27; UAE Leads
India's tanker exports grew more than six-fold to USD 1.36 billion in Q1 FY27 (April-June 2026-27), with the UAE emerging as the top destination. Export volumes rose from 10 to 23 vessels, and new markets including Egypt, South Africa, and Vietnam received first-time shipments.
Logistics India Plans First Northern Sea Route Cargo Ship in 2027
India will send its first cargo ship along the Northern Sea Route in 2027, potentially cutting distance to Europe by up to 40% and saving two weeks versus the Suez Canal. Rosatom will sign an MoU with India, and the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor has already seen a 70% jump in cargo movement.
Logistics Freight Volumes Drop to Slowest Monday of Year as Contract Repricing Reshapes Truckload Market
Freight volumes collapsed to their lowest Monday of the year, according to FreightWaves, as rapid contract repricing routed freight from the spot market back to routing guides. Intermodal volumes hit records on eastern corridors with contract rates 34% below truckload. Capacity is growing on paper, but flat transportation employment and driver shortages leave the market imbalanced.
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.
Logistics New study: Hormuz just one of many shipping chokepoints, Oxford Economics finds
An Oxford Economics study reported by FreightWaves warns that the Strait of Hormuz is only one of many maritime chokepoints that can disrupt global trade. Geopolitical leverage and climate events — from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to Panama Canal draft cuts — are raising costs and forcing carriers to adjust vessel rotations. Nearly a quarter of global trade passes through the Malacca and Taiwan straits, amplifying systemwide risk.
Trade Niti Aayog Report: India Telecom Equipment Exports Could Hit $50 Billion by 2035
A Niti Aayog report projects India's telecom and network equipment sector can become a $50 billion export hub by 2035 under NTP-25, despite import dependence and fiscal disabilities. Exports were just $0.6–1 billion annually during 2020–2024 against imports of $4–5 billion, with over 80% of critical components sourced from China.
Trade India’s FTAs give MSMEs a shot at bigger global markets, exporters say
Exporters say India’s free trade agreements give MSMEs preferential market access across major economies, with the real opportunity lying in converting these pacts into export orders. Prime Minister Modi said India has finalised FTAs with about 40 countries since 2014, urging small enterprises to tap the opportunities.
Trade ANPACT warns tariffs threaten truck trade as Mexico heavy-duty exports surge
Mexico heavy-duty truck exports rose 66.7% year over year to 13,117 units in July, while production climbed 51.8%, according to INEGI and ANPACT data. ANPACT warned that Section 232 tariffs and rising used-vehicle imports threaten truck trade and urged preservation of USMCA rules.
Logistics India must strengthen shipping capacity, naval protection amid growing chokepoints: GTRI
The Red Sea shipping crisis has passed 1,000 days without a durable solution, forcing India-Europe and India-US East Coast trade onto longer, costlier routes, according to GTRI. The think tank says Suez Canal traffic remains 60-70% below pre-crisis levels and freight rates are 25-40% above normal. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava calls on India to strengthen domestic shipping capacity, trade finance, naval protection and alternative corridors.
Trade India’s engineering exports surge to $13.77 billion, Niti Aayog calls for regulation
India's engineering services exports grew to $13.77 billion in 2024-25 from $1.77 billion in 2014-15, according to a Niti Aayog report, a CAGR of 22.8%. The report also highlighted the absence of a proper regulatory framework for engineers and proposed a central statutory framework for those in construction and infrastructure activities.
Trade India's engineering services exports surge nearly eightfold to USD 13.8 billion in a decade: NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog's report, citing Reserve Bank of India data, shows India's engineering services exports surged nearly eightfold to USD 13.8 billion with a 22.8% CAGR over a decade. Imports rose marginally from USD 1.59 billion to USD 1.73 billion. The report also flags regulatory gaps and recommends a central statutory framework for engineers.
Commodities NITI Aayog report: India chemicals exports could hit $81 billion by 2030
A NITI Aayog report says India's chemicals industry could target exports of up to USD 81 billion by 2030, including USD 45 billion in specialty chemicals. Achieving the target requires 10-11% consumption CAGR and 14% production CAGR over five fiscal years. The report identifies US and Brazil as key export markets and recommends policy interventions to close infrastructure and technology gaps.
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.
Trade Trump Admin Accuses Over 40 Nations Including India of Helping China Evade Tariffs
The White House released 'The Great Transshipment Scam' report on Aug 13, 2026, alleging Chinese exporters use more than 40 countries, including India, to bypass US tariffs. India is placed in Tier 1 'Diversified Scale Leaders'. The report cites estimates of transshipment exposure ranging from $40B to $303B.
Logistics India's digital logistics tracking platform crosses 10 crore EXIM container tracking milestone
India's Logistics Data Bank (LDB) has crossed 10 crore export-import (EXIM) containers tracked since its 2016 launch, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The platform logs over 1.5 crore monthly container queries and provides dwell time, transit duration and port performance analytics via RFID, IoT and Big Data. LDB 2.0, rolled out in September 2025, adds high-seas export cargo tracking and multimodal shipment visibility.
Trade India’s FTA Exports Surge as Shipments to Singapore and Sri Lanka More Than Double
India's exports to FTA partners surged in April-June 2026, with Singapore and Sri Lanka shipments more than doubling to $6.52 billion and $2.35 billion, respectively, according to The Economic Times. ASEAN exports rose 61.6% to $14.61 billion, and overall Indian exports grew 15.92% to $129.32 billion. India has signed 17 FTAs, of which 16 are operational.
Logistics Splash Wrap: War, drought and broken infrastructure force shipping into the detour economy
Splash247's Splash Wrap documents how conflict, drought and failing infrastructure are rerouting global shipping. Ukrainian grain exports are down 76% year-on-year, DP World is losing about $100m monthly at Jebel Ali, and the Rhine is close to being cut in two at Kaub.
Commodities India's coal demand seen at 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030 as govt pushes market-driven trade
India's coal demand is projected to rise to 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, said Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt at the Global Commodity Conclave 2026. With domestic production past 1 billion tonnes, the government plans a many-to-many coal exchange and eventual derivatives market for transparent, market-driven price discovery.
Logistics Shipbrokers lose bulk cargo business to containers amid opaque quoting, charterer warns
An open letter published by Splash247 claims shipbrokers' closed networks and generic per-ton quotes push charterers to move bulk cargo by container. The author demands digital KYC forms, a response-time commitment, and dismissal of LinkedIn-focused staff.
Trade US 'shadow transshipment network' report names India among 40 countries aiding China tariff evasion
The White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy has named India among more than 40 countries facing risks of becoming conduits for Chinese goods evading US tariffs. A new report divides the countries into three risk tiers, with India placed in Tier 1 alongside Canada, the EU, Japan and Mexico. Senior trade adviser Peter Navarro warned India and Vietnam against using transshipment to circumvent higher US tariffs.
Trade US report: more than 40 countries helped China dodge Trump tariffs, White House claims
The White House released a report Thursday alleging that more than 40 countries, including Canada, India, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, helped China evade US tariffs by routing exports through nations with lower duties. The report cited estimates of $30bn-$300bn in goods moved via transshipping and said the US is deploying AI tools to catch such practices.
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.
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.
Commodities China's Cotton Yarn Demand Fuels India's Cotton Consumption Growth, USDA Says
Indian cotton yarn exports to China tripled in the first 10 months of the 2025-26 marketing year, raising India's share of China's yarn import market from 7% to 21%, the USDA reported. The surge is fuelling record Indian cotton consumption, forecast at 26.5 million bales in 2026-27. Global consumption is set to hit a six-year high of 122.9 million bales.
Commodities El Nino Poses Threat to Agricultural Commodities from Rice to Coffee, Analysts Say
El Nino's onset is threatening agricultural commodities from rice to robusta coffee, with analysts at BMI, Rabobank and FAO AMIS flagging crop-specific risks. Rice faces the clearest exposure, corn is least affected, and Australia emerges as a key downside risk for grains.
Trade India in 'regular contact' with US on trade deal, says Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said India remains in regular contact with the US on the bilateral trade agreement. The first phase, finalised in February, awaits US movement on tariff advantage. India exported $87 billion goods to the US in FY26.
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.
Logistics Chrome Ore Emerges as Dry Bulk's Biggest Grower in 2026
Chrome ore has become dry bulk's fastest-growing trade in 2026, with seaborne volumes up 44% in the first half as South Africa's ferrochrome smelters shut down. China's imports rose 41.5% to 14.05m tonnes, while inventories exceeded 5m tonnes, signalling oversupply.
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.
Trade India shifts trade strategy, favours PTAs over FTAs with South Africa, Mercosur and others: Official
India has shifted its trade strategy toward preferential trade agreements (PTAs) instead of free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Africa, Mercosur and other developing economies, according to the Economic Times. A senior official cited by the report said a full FTA with South Africa would require too deep an opening of the Indian market, whereas a PTA would target specific products. India is also pursuing PTAs with Mexico and Kenya, while Ecuador has sought a full FTA.
Commodities Campco: Karnataka's gutkha, paan masala ban should not impact arecanut growers, trade
Campco urged Karnataka to ensure its August 10 ban on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products does not disrupt arecanut growers or trade. Karnataka accounts for 75.47% of India's arecanut production and posted ₹379.34 crore in GST revenue from arecanut sales in 2025-26.
Commodities Russia Buys Gasoline from India for First Time as Refinery Strikes Bite
Russia has imported gasoline from India for the first time, according to Kpler data cited by Bloomberg, as Ukrainian attacks on refineries cut domestic supply. Nayara Energy Ltd, backed by Rosneft, is supplying the fuel from its Vadinar refinery, with shipments routed via ship-to-ship transfers off Egypt's coast. Analysts say the flows highlight the severity of Russia's domestic gasoline imbalance.
Trade India Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to Visit Chile This Month to Review CEPA Talks: Official
India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will visit Chile this month to review progress on CEPA negotiations, according to an official cited by The Economic Times. The proposed CEPA would widen the 2006 PTA to cover digital services, MSMEs, investment and critical minerals. India is also pursuing a PTA with Mercosur and possible pacts with Mexico and Kenya.
Trade India's exports rise 15% in April-July; Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confident of $1 trillion target
According to the Economic Times, India's exports grew around 15% in April-July, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, and he is confident the $1 trillion 2026-27 export target can be met. The 2025-26 target is $863 billion, while April-June exports rose 15.92% to $129.32 billion and imports rose 19.89% to $216.18 billion.
Trade India and Namibia Agree to Move Bilateral Trade Beyond Raw Materials Toward Value Addition
The Fourth India-Namibia Joint Trade Committee concluded in New Delhi, with both sides agreeing to move bilateral trade beyond raw-material composition toward value addition within Namibia, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Officials signed agreed minutes and committed to concrete mechanisms with timelines. Bilateral merchandise trade rose to over $592 million in 2025-26 from $568 million in 2024-25.