Page 2 - Exporters

GTRI says some cos misuse duty-free import scheme, calls 'licence to loot'

The duty free import authorization (DFIA) scheme, aimed at cutting input costs for exporters, is being misused by some companies, and it has turned into a "licence to loot" owing to a mix of vague policy definitions, lax enforcement, and judicial interpretations, economic think tank GTRI said on Sunday. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that the government should immediately intervene because if unchecked, DFIA misuse will destroy faith in India's export incentive regime and drive honest exporters out of business. A forensic audit of licences issued in the past five years is urgently needed, alongside recovery of duties from fraudulent imports, it said. When asked about the issue, the commerce ministry said that in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), there is a permanent mechanism of norms committees across sectors for looking into complaints of misuse of SION (standard input output norms) and misdeclaration of inputs used. "It is also being proposed tha

Trump tariff hike to 50% on Indian goods sparks calls for self-reliance

Business and startup leaders urge reduced US dependence as Trump's tariff hike on Indian exports threatens $80 billion in trade and hits tech and FMCG sectors

Mixed response in MP to US tariff as exporters explore new markets

Major exports from Madhya Pradesh to the US include agricultural and pharmaceutical products, auto parts, textiles and jewellery

FTAs with US, EU soon; exporters to get full govt backing: Sitharaman

Finance Minister says trade deals with US and EU near finalisation as she assures Indian exporters of full support amid global slowdown and volatile trade conditions

Iran-Israel conflict: Exporters urge shift from Bandar Abbas to Chabahar

Exporters have suggested shifting cargo movement from Bandar Abbas port to the Chabahar port in the wake of Iran-Israel conflict, stating any further escalation in the war would severely impact trade with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia, an industry official said on Friday. The official also said that the air freight rates have already seen a 15 per cent rise, and traders expect both air and sea freight costs to increase further if the conflict escalates. This was suggested during a meeting convened by the commerce ministry on assessing impact of the war on India's trade. It was chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. The official also said that while there has been no immediate impact on shipments to Iran, disruptions are likely if the situation worsens. "If Bandar Abbas port doesn't function, it will affect exports not only to Iran but to Afghanistan and Central Asia also. We have been informed that there is adequate capacity at Chabahar, and this needs to be explored

Govt set to relax rules under Advance Authorisation scheme for exporters

Exporters may soon be eligible for Advance Authorisation benefits even if goods are shipped before licence issue, provided the Bill of Entry is filed after the licence date

US-China reciprocal tariff truce likely to narrow India's export edge

Even though US tariffs on Indian goods remain at 10%, the massive tariff gap that once favoured India is shrinking fast

Centre warns industry against transhipment to US; assures clarity on norms

The Commerce Ministry has cautioned the domestic industry to strictly follow the US 'rules of origin' norms while exporting goods to America, as re-routing products from high-tariff countries without substantial value addition could be classified as transhipment and attract higher duties, an official said. The ministry has also assured the industry that all efforts would be made to codify the value addition norms to provide certainty and clarity to exporters, the official said. The issue was deliberated at length during a stakeholder consultation on India-US trade ties, convened by the ministry on May 2 here. The stakeholder consultation was chaired by Special Secretary in the ministry Rajesh Agrawal. He is also India's chief negotiator for the India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Transhipment refers to the process of importing products from one country and then exporting to another, usually without significant processing or value addition. In a meeting with exporters last mon

India, Pak trade miniscule; now will come to complete halt: Exporters

With Pakistan suspending all trade ties with India, including that routes through third countries, the two-way commerce will now come to a complete halt, apex exporters' body FIEO said on Thursday. Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, India took a series of measures including immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post, used for movement of certain kinds of goods. Besides, India has announced expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, and suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. In retaliation, Pakistan announced suspension of 'all trade' with India, including that routes through third countries. Commenting on the decision of the neighbouring country, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said India's bilateral trade with Pakistan is miniscule and is just 0.06 per cent of India's total trade. "We have minuscule trade with Pakistan, which is constantly declining. During April-Jan

In transit: ₹2,250 cr mission to boost exports amid global uncertainties

Govt raises duty drawback rates for gold and silver jewellery

Indian exporters should temper euro, pound hedges as dollar faces pressure

With the dollar under pressure from tariff-driven outflows, downgraded US growth forecasts and shifting investor outlook, forex strategists are encouraging exporters to reassess their hedging strategy

Indian exporters breathe sigh of relief on US reciprocal tariff pause

Industry players have adopted a 'wait-and-watch' mode

Pause on US tariffs a big relief; opens window for trade talks: Exporters

The 90-day deferral of reciprocal tariffs decided by the US has come as a major relief as it provides a crucial window for pushing the talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and America, exporters said on Thursday. They said that diplomatic engagement and fast-tracking negotiations for the trade pact will help India deal with these tariffs. "It is a good decision by the Trump administration. We have been assured by the commerce ministry that the agreement will be finalised at the earliest," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said. He added that the move reflects a strategic pause aimed at avoiding immediate economic fallout while allowing space for potential resolutions. "A huge relief to our exporters. The 90-day deferral of the reciprocal tariff provides a critical window for diplomatic engagement and trade negotiations," Ralhan added. Welcoming the USA's decision, Mumbai-based exporter S K Saraf said that Indian industry

US tariffs: Exporters must be ready to prove origin of goods to Customs

Rules of origin (RoO) are used by most countries to implement measures such as anti-dumping duties and anti-subsidy countervailing duties

Not 26%, but 27% tariff imposed on Indian exports by Trump administration

White House has released the order for tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on various nations

Razorpay targets 1.5 lakh exporters on Amazon's Global Selling Platform

Since December last year, Indian merchants part of Amazon's Global Selling programme have been able to collect their global payouts using the company's offering for international bank transfers

Seller is king in defence as exporters aim to keep India as a key buyer

In the defence market, sellers often maintain the upper hand despite the exceptionally high costs of their products

Exporters seek import duty cuts to counter US steel, aluminium tariffs

The 25% US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, effective March 12, have raised Indian exporters' concerns about declining orders and rising costs

Australian exporters to save $2 bn in tariffs due to trade pact with India

The ECTA came into force on December 29, 2022. Under the deal, by value, over 85 per cent of Australian goods exported to India are now tariff-free

US-China trade war to benefit Indian exporters in increasing shipments

The trade war between the US and China is expected to benefit Indian exporters in increasing their shipments to the American market, sources said. They said the country was the fourth-largest gainer when the US imposed higher duties on Chinese goods during US President Donald Trump's first tenure. After coming to power again, Trump on Saturday signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from China, fulfilling a campaign promise but raising the prospect of increased prices for American consumers. "India is likely to gain out of this trade war. Significant rise in exports are expected from India," a source said. Exporters have also stated that the imposition of customs duties by the US on imports from China provides huge export opportunities for India to America. The tariffs would affect exports from China to the US as they would push prices of their goods in the American market, making them less competitive. "The move can create opportunities for Indian exports due to the tr