Tnc Rajagopalan

India-UK Ceta concession available for qualifying goods in transit

This week's SME Q&A explains India-UK CETA duty benefits, SRVA trade data, and the process for claiming customs duty refunds on overvalued imports

Discreet diplomacy may shield India from tariff threats over Russia oil buy

Quiet diplomacy could help India navigate US tariff threats over Russian oil purchases while managing energy security risks amid escalating West Asia tensions

India-UK origin rules trust exporters; subject to verification later

India-UK FTA origin rules require exporters and importers to ensure strict compliance with sourcing, documentation and certification to claim tariff benefits

Chatroom: Rodtep scrolls can stop until annual return is finally filed

Experts answer key trade queries on export quotations, Rodtep compliance, sea cargo liability and customs valuation for related-party imports

Exim Matters: At 250 years, US imprint on world trade is undeniable

As the US marks 250 years, its enduring influence on global trade, technology, finance and innovation continues to shape commerce despite growing geopolitical tensions

For SEZ 2.0 policy, shift focus from concessions to better governance

As the Centre reviews export promotion schemes, experts call for SEZ 2.0 reforms and shifting SEZ policy oversight to DGFT to better align with India's trade framework

Reserve Bank of India should fix DTA-to-SEZ forex payment anomaly

TNC Rajagopalan answers readers' SME queries related to GST, export and import matters

EXIM matters: Fragile US-Iran ceasefire brings relief, likely to last

A pause in West Asia hostilities offers relief on energy, freight and trade costs, but India must stay alert as the US-Iran understanding remains fragile

12 years of NDA: A mixed record in foreign trade, tariffs and FTAs

While services exports have expanded sharply over the past decade, India's share of global merchandise exports has remained largely unchanged despite multiple trade policy reforms

Chatroom: Clarifications on MTT, Incoterm, self-sealing, authorisations

Experts clarify RBI norms on merchanting trade, DPU vs DAP usage, self-sealing permissions and EPCG authorisation rules for exporters

Capital flows can support the rupee, but exports must sustain its strength

Tax breaks and RBI measures may attract foreign funds and support the rupee, but lasting currency strength depends on exports, FDI and competitiveness

Talk tariffs, but understand ocean freight and its impact on trade costs

Tariff cuts alone cannot boost exports; India needs larger, predictable cargo volumes to reduce freight costs and attract direct shipping services

Clearing doubts on carrier claims, re-export and import monitoring

Customs warehousing waivers, import monitoring timelines and bill of lading rights hinge on strict statutory interpretation

Transport snags at Mundra, Nhava Sheva expose weak links in logistics chain

Cargo disruptions at Nhava Sheva and Mundra expose how driver shortages, fuel scarcity and landside bottlenecks threaten India's trade logistics

Real challenge beyond tariffs: Technology and compliance capability

New global trade reports highlight that technological capability and regulatory compliance - not just tariffs - are becoming the key drivers of trade competitiveness

Chatroom: Issues in MOOWR, incoterms and advance authorisation

Rajagopalan answers readers' SME queries related to GST, export and import-matters

ICC Arbitration Rules revised with major changes effective June 2026

Updated ICC Arbitration Rules from June 2026 aim to streamline global dispute resolution with faster procedures, stronger digital tools and greater procedural clarity

CBIC clarification fixes one SEZ anomaly, ignores another concern

CBIC's SEZ clarification eases drawback claims on re-exports, but gaps persist for DTA-to-SEZ supplies, calling for a broader, consistent tax interpretation

EOU to DTA services: RBI should allow payment in foreign exchange

TNC Rajagopalan answers readers' SME queries related to GST, export and import matters

Complementarity sans capability: Limits of India's trade strategy

India's trade pacts with developed economies highlight a gap: without stronger domestic capabilities, complementarity alone cannot deliver balanced gains