Tnc Rajagopalan

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

Exports: Services grow, goods stall, jobs lag, denting growth outlook

India's export growth is driven by services while merchandise stagnates, raising concerns over jobs, competitiveness, and long-term trade strategy

Chatroom: Practical guidance on interest, EOU exemption and EPCG reporting

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

Govt acted swiftly, but more support needed to cushion war impact

Strait of Hormuz disruption strains India's trade, prompting swift policy action, but experts call for a targeted support package to ease logistics and cost pressures

Duty concessions to SEZ for DTA clearances likely to find few takers

Modest duty cuts and complex conditions may limit SEZ units' appetite for concessional DTA clearances despite the government's intent to boost capacity use

Chatroom: 'Absolute Confiscation' need not lead only to destruction'

Absolute confiscation vests goods with govt but disposal may include auction, sale or destruction; overvaluation attracts penalties under customs act, while GST export lapses trigger tax liability