Trade Agreements

The finalisation of a framework for signing a trade pact between India and the US has provided an immediate certainty and predictability to domestic exporters at the tariff front, experts say. As per the framework, the US will reduce reciprocal tariffs on India to 18 per cent from 25 per cent. The US has already removed the additional 25 per cent punitive tariff which it imposed on India for buying Russian crude. They said that the tariff on India is the lowest compared to its competitor nations such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Rudra Kumar Pandey- Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas Co, said the framework provides much-needed operational clarity on the recent tariff rationalisation. The framework explicitly confirms that a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent will apply across several key Indian export sectors, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastics and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and selected machinery ...

Pax Silica and import commitments highlight opportunities and risks

India has expressed intent to import $500 billion worth of energy, minerals, technology products and aircraft parts from the US over five years under an interim trade agreement

India is pushing virtual trade corridors and paperless logistics with key partners as digital trade becomes central to FTA talks with the EU and the US

India weathered the Trump tariff shock better than expected, but high public debt and slower fiscal consolidation pose risks even as trade deals lift growth and investor sentiment

Goyal said both sides were working on a "joint statement" outlining the details of the first phase of the agreement

After months of tariff shocks, stalled talks and diplomatic sparring, India and the US finally stitched together a trade deal that reshaped bilateral ties

Centre says sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy are outside the India-US trade deal, easing concerns even as US officials speak of higher farm exports

The 'mother of all trade deals', the Indo-US thaw, and a sensible Budget signal the beginning of the implementation phase

Quantity will go up to 100,000 tonnes annually but only over the next 10 years

Security dependence, not trade policy, explains Washington's speed with others, and why India is holding its ground

The commerce ministry on Sunday said India's traditional medicine system - AYUSH - has received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand. Both the agreements, which were finalised last year in December, have dedicated annexures on health-related services and traditional medicine. "India's traditional medicine systems (AYUSH) have also received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including the India-Oman CEPA and the India- New Zealand FTA," it said. Exports of AYUSH and herbal products have registered a growth of 6.11 per cent, increasing from USD 649.2 million in 2023-24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024-25.

Talks are going on for the last nine months, with no outcome, despite over a half dozen rounds of in-person formal and informal negotiations

Once signed, this deal will mark India's seventh trade agreement since 2021 and a part of its diversification strategy at a time when global trade is up for a major reset

India and Oman have signed a major free trade agreement that gives Indian exports near-total duty-free access to Oman. From goods and services to jobs and geopolitics

US President Donald Trump hinted at fresh tariffs on Indian rice as a Deputy USTR-led delegation arrived in New Delhi to assess the proposed trade deal between the two countries

India and the United States will commence three-day talks on the first phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement here from December 10, sources said. The visit is crucial as India and the US are working to finalise the first tranche of the pact. "The three-day talks will start on December 10. It will conclude on December 12, and it is not a formal round of talks," said one of the sources. The US team will be led by Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) Rick Switzer. This visit of the US officials marks their second trip since the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff and an additional 25 per cent penalty on Indian goods entering the American market due to the purchase of Russian crude oil. On September 16, the US officials last visited India. On September 22, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also led an official delegation to the US for trade talks. Goyal had also visited Washington in May. While the USA's chief negotiator for the pact is Assistant US

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday reviewed the progress of negotiations for the second tranche of trade agreement with his Australian counterpart Don Farrell, an official statement said. "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively towards the early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial CECA (comprehensive economic cooperation agreement)," it said. The first part of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) entered into force in December 2022. During the meeting, the Ministers reviewed the progress made under the CECA negotiations and discussed pathways to elevate bilateral trade and economic partnerships. The discussions covered a wide range of areas including trade in goods, services, investment and cooperation in mutually beneficial, it said. In 202425, bilateral merchandise trade between India and Australia stood at USD 24.1 billion, with India's exports registering a growth of 14 per cent in 202324 and a further 8 p

Today's opinion pieces look at the US tariff issues, NCR's air pollution hazard, India's diversity as a counter to AI, and the need for knowledge-industry linkages

Disagreements relate to market access for goods and also investment, trade, and sustainable development