India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to an all-time monthly high of USD 41.68 billion in October 2025, up from USD 32.15 billion in September. The figure far exceeded market expectations of around USD 29 billion. Drivers Behind the Widening Gap Despite weak global demand, India’s
India and the United States are continuing dialogue over a proposed bilateral trade agreement, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal saying that both sides hope to “find a landing ground” on key issues. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing at various levels even amid a U.S. government shutdown. Trade Deal Timeline and Challenges Goyal indicated that […]
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) came into effect on October 1, 2025, as announced by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The pact involves Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Key Features of the Agreement Under TEPA, EFTA will remove or reduce tariffs on about 92.2% of […]
India’s long-awaited trade deal with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will officially begin on October 1, 2025. The pact, formally known as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), was signed in March 2024 after 16 years of negotiations. Investment Commitments And Economic Goals Under the agreement, EFTA member countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein,
India is in negotiations with the United States to import corn to bolster its ethanol production efforts. This move is part of broader talks between the two countries seeking to deepen trade relations and make mutual concessions. Tariff Question Looms New Delhi is also pushing for the removal of 25% punitive tariffs that the US […]
The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including shrimp, making Indian exports far less competitive in the U.S. market. This has prompted Indian shrimp exporters to seek alternate destinations to sustain their trade. China Emerges as New Destination Exporters are now turning to China, which is increasingly seen as a promising […]
The exit of Western firms from Russia has opened space for Indian exporters to expand their presence. ITE Group CEO said the situation could help bilateral trade between India and Russia reach USD 100 billion in the coming years. Opportunities for Indian Exporters With Western companies pulling out, Indian firms, especially MSMEs, are finding opportunities […]
Switzerland has streamlined its regulations to activate the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, effective from 1 October 2025. The move clears the way for the pact to come into force as scheduled. Regulatory Changes Enable Entry Into Force Switzerland, the largest economy within the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has completed
India is stepping up efforts to expand rice exports to the Philippines, the world’s largest rice importer. In 2024, the Philippines imported rice worth about USD 2.52 billion, while India’s share stood at just USD 48.91 million, reflecting a vast untapped potential for Indian exporters. Export Promotion Mission A delegation of Indian rice exporters will […]
India has restarted negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a bloc led by Russia and including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The two sides signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in Moscow to formally relaunch talks. The EAEU represents a market with a combined GDP of over $6.5 […]















