Page 3 - Trade Exports

Govt seeks views on allowing FDI in inventory-based e-commerce for exports

The Commerce and Industry Ministry has floated a note seeking views from various central government departments on a proposal to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the inventory-based model of e-commerce solely for export purposes, an official said. The proposal aims to boost India's exports without impacting the businesses of small retailers. At present, the country's FDI policy does not permit overseas investments in the inventory-based model of e-commerce. It is 100 per cent allowed through the automatic route in firms that are operating through a marketplace model only, like Amazon and Flipkart. The proposal is to permit e-commerce entities in the inventory-based model of e-commerce, exclusively for the export of goods and products manufactured or produced in India, in compliance with the existing FDI policy, the official said. According to the FDI policy, the inventory-based model of e-commerce means an e-commerce activity where the inventory of goods and services is own

India to record positive export growth in current financial year: Goyal

Piyush Goyal said that the country's overall goods and services exports grew by about 5 per cent to $413.3 billion during April-September period of the financial year 2025-26

India's smartphone exports to US fly high, retreat in top European markets

An interplay of smartphone makers' decisions and government trade policies could be the reason for trend

Institute Cargo Clauses (A) cover general average and salvage charges

Trade expert cites FTP Para 1.08 and CBIC circulars requiring that export consignments not be detained beyond three days, and clarifies documentation norms under the Advance Authorisation scheme

China widens export curbs on rare earths ahead of critical Xi-Trump meeting

Overseas exporters of items that use even traces of certain rare earths sourced from China will now need an export licence

From oil to pistachios: How barter trade is reshaping global commerce

Several Middle Eastern and Asian economies, including China, Pakistan, and Iran, are turning to barter trade to avoid the impact of secondary sanctions

Exports making Indian factories up to 25% more eco-friendly: IIM study

Exports not only boost business growth but also make Indian factories greener, a study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, has found after analysing two decades of firm-level data. Described as the first-of-its-kind, the study examined whether export orientation encourages Indian manufacturing companies to adopt greener practices. Led by Chandan Sharma, professor of Economics and Business Environment at IIM-Lucknow, it has been published in the prestigious Energy Economics (Elsevier) journal. While trade is often criticised for raising environmental pressures in developing countries, there is limited causal evidence on whether exporting firms adopt greener practices, especially in terms of energy use. By applying the Propensity Score MatchingDifference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) methodology, the researchers addressed this gap and explored several important insights. "Our research shows that exports don't just boost growth, they also make Indian factories greener. ..

DGFT extends RoDTEP scheme till March 2026 amid steep US tariffs

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has extended the RoDTEP scheme till March 2026, ensuring policy continuity for exporters navigating US tariff hikes and global headwinds

At UP trade show, PM speaks of strong, time-tested India-Russia ties

At the UP International Trade Show, PM Modi underlined strong India-Russia ties, spoke of defence production, GST savings, and urged people to embrace swadeshi self-reliance

Smartphone exports surge 39% in August, ICEA refutes misleading claims

The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) said smartphone exports in August 2025 increased by 39 per cent year-on-year, countering claims of a decline, and cautioned against drawing inferences from month-on-month comparisons without context.ICEA reported that exports increased from USD 1.09 billion in August 2024 to approximately USD 1.53 billion in August 2025, with shipments to the United States more than doubling. Exports to the US increased by 148 per cent to USD 965 million in August 2025, compared to USD 388 million in August 2024."Every export sector has its particular nuances based on multiple factors. Oversimplification of trade data, and worse, inferences based on monthly comparisons, are misleading and avoidable. It's important that subject matter experts are consulted before drawing sector-specific conclusions," said ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo.ICEA added that August and September are traditionally low-export months due to upcoming new launches, plant ...

Govt notifies additional condition for export of 2nd generation ethanol

The government on Wednesday notified additional policy condition for the export of second-generation ethanol, which is produced through materials such as bagasse, wood waste, and industrial waste. It said export of second generation ethanol, which is produced through cellulosic material such as bagasse, wood waste, lignocellulosic feedstocks -- agricultural and forestry residues such as rice and wheat straw, corn -- and non-food crops like grasses, algae and having low carbon-dioxide emissions or high GHG (greenhouse gas) reduction, and which do not compete with food crops for land use "is permitted" for fuel and non-fuel purposes. The permission, however, is subject to a valid export authorisation and feedstock certification from the relevant competent authority. "Additional policy condition for export of second generation ethanol is notified with immediate effect," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification. In a trade notice, it said exporters are ...

Tariff turbulence: When Tamil Nadu's Dollar Town hangs by a thread

The knitwear hub battles shrinking US demand, steep discounts, job cuts, and rising competition from global rivals

AI to boost trade by nearly 40% by 2040 if gaps are bridged: WTO report

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said artificial intelligence has vast potential to lower trade costs and boost productivity

Exports to rise 6% this year, will end year on positive note: Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India's exports would grow 6% this year, despite the US' 50 per cent tariffs, adding FTAs with the EU and UAE were progressing to boost trade

Govt unlikely to raise export duty soon on low-grade iron ore, pellets

The government has been considering raising the export duty to between 20 per cent and 30 per cent, from zero now

US tariff: Export Promotion Mission Scheme to be placed before Cabinet soon

The inter-ministerial consultations for the Export Promotion Mission have concluded and the proposal will soon be sent to the Union Cabinet seeking its approval, sources said. The government is considering support measures worth about Rs 25,000 crore for exporters under the Export Promotion Mission, announced in the Budget, for six financial years (2025-2031), PTI had reported citing sources last month. The mission, if approved, can help insulate domestic exporters from global trade uncertainties arising from Trump tariffs. The US has imposed a hefty 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, starting August 27. "So export promotion mission, you know, the inter-ministerial consultations have happened, and soon we will be going to cabinet. Already in the Budget, there was an announcement, and it would be a kind of a scheme which would be fungible," sources said.

Trade deficit narrows to 25.7% at $26.59 billion in August; imports dip 10%

August 2025 trade data: The trade deficit decreased 25.7 per cent to $26.59 billion in August against $35.64 billion last year

Govt exploring alternative export markets to shield farmers from US tariffs

The government is actively exploring alternative export destinations and import substitution strategies to protect farmers from the impact of US tariffs, D K Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said on Monday. "The government is trying to have all alternatives to protect the interests of farmers. As far as exports are concerned, the concerned ministries are already exploring alternative countries for the export of various commodities," Yadava said at a media briefing about the ongoing event 'Dialogue Next' organised by the US-based World Food Prize Foundation for the first time in India. The remarks came in the backdrop of the Trump administration imposing a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering America. On imports of genetically modified soybean and maize, as well as milk and milk products, Yadava said the government has "a very clear stand" and is identifying alternative import sources. The official sai

Rajasthan's trade body ARTIA seeks subsidy relief to support exporters

According to the association, the United States' move to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India has increased pressure on medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs)

India cautions against misuse of export measures at SCO ministers meet

India has cautioned against weaponising export-related measures or misusing them to create artificial scarcity, distort markets, or disrupt supply chains at an SCO meeting, an official statement said on Sunday. At the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Trade Ministers' Meeting in Vladivostok on September 6, India said that calibrated and transparent use of these steps is essential to maintain trust in international commerce. India has also called for addressing persistent trade deficits by ensuring greater market access and simplifying processes for trade facilitation. These remarks are important as India's auto and electronics sector faced issues due to export restrictions on rare earth magnets and fertiliser by China. China is a member of the organisation. India also warned that trade-linked climate measures should not result in arbitrary or unjustified discrimination. "...persistent trade imbalances must be addressed through better market access, cooperation on standards,