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The recent rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates is not expected to significantly impact the government's finances, according to ratings firm Crisil. The government anticipates a short-term net loss of ₹48,000 crore, a figure deemed minor compared to the previous fiscal year's total GST collections of ₹10.6 lakh crore. The GST Council's decision to streamline the tax structure to two rates—5% and 18%—effective from September 22, aims to lower prices on numerous products and services. This simplification, reducing the number of slabs from four, could enhance tax compliance and revenue over time. Historically, 70-75% of GST revenue came from the 18% slab, while the 12% and 28% slabs contributed minimally. The report also highlights that increased disposable incomes from tax benefits on mass consumption items could boost demand and tax revenues, with producers' pricing strategies playing a crucial role in consumer spending. 
Published: Sep 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAt the India International Tea Convention 2025, experts underscored the necessity for collaboration among all stakeholders to transform the tea value chain into a more resilient and inclusive system. L. Satya Srinivas, special secretary of the Commerce Ministry, highlighted the urgency of shifting from despair to hope within the industry, addressing critical issues such as cultivation, climate change, and production costs. He advocated for sustainable tea production through innovation and technology. UPASI president Mathew Abraham emphasized the need to market tea as a sustainable beverage linked to health and wellness, particularly to attract younger consumers. With India's per capita tea consumption at 840 grams—significantly lower than in other tea-drinking nations—Abraham called for enhanced domestic production and export strategies. He noted shifting trade dynamics, urging India to seize new opportunities in emerging markets while reclaiming its position in traditional ones to ensure the industry's future viability.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar exports are projected to fall short of the 1 million-tonne quota this season, with shipments expected to total around 775,000 tonnes, according to trade officials. Despite contracting to export approximately 750,000 tonnes, mills have only physically shipped about 720,000 tonnes, as rising supplies from Brazil have driven global prices down, making Indian sugar less competitive. The Indian government had aimed to facilitate exports to help mills manage surplus stocks and bolster domestic prices, which have recently hit a 1.5-year low. However, with Brazilian sugar trading over $25 cheaper than Indian products, and domestic prices rising above global benchmarks, mills have shifted focus to local sales. As the new season begins on October 1, there are hopes for increased sugar output due to favorable monsoon rains, potentially improving export opportunities. India remains a key player in the global sugar market, exporting to countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndonesia has suspended imports of Indian groundnuts, which accounted for a third of India's total groundnut exports last fiscal year, valued at $795 million. The suspension, effective September 3, follows concerns over high aflatoxin levels, with the Indonesian Quarantine Authority (IQA) reporting issues in shipments three months after their arrival. Indian exporters have criticized this delayed response and noted discrepancies in testing standards between Indonesia and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) has reached out to Jakarta for clarification but has yet to receive a response. With a new groundnut crop expected in a month, there are concerns that unresolved issues could impact traders, exporters, and farmers. In Gujarat, a record production of 66 lakh tonnes is anticipated, although current prices are below the minimum support price set by the government.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe oneworld Alliance, which includes 15 airlines such as American Airlines and Qantas Airways, is exploring the possibility of partnering with an Indian airline as the market experiences significant growth. CEO Nat Pieper highlighted the importance of India during a recent aviation gathering in New York, stating that the alliance is keen to find a suitable partner that aligns with the interests of all its members. With ten of its current members already operating in India, the alliance is also considering collaborative initiatives, such as loyalty programs and joint lounges, to enhance their collective presence in the region. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines is set to join the alliance in 2026, following Alaska Air's acquisition of the airline in 2024. The ongoing developments reflect the alliance's strategic focus on expanding its footprint in rapidly growing markets like India.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent RaboResearch report highlights significant challenges for US farmers as they prepare for the 2026 season, with corn operating margins projected to plummet from 13% in 2025 to just 7% in 2026. The uncertainty stems from tariff announcements made by the US government on 'Liberation Day' in April, which could impact agricultural trade and input costs, particularly for fertilizers like monoammonium phosphate (MAP), now at its lowest affordability index since 2010. While soybean profitability is expected to decrease slightly to around 13%, overall margins may turn negative, prompting reliance on government support through the OBBBA programme. Globally, crop margins remain under pressure due to declining commodity prices and rising production costs, despite record outputs for corn, soybeans, and wheat. Analysts warn that while bullish fundamentals exist, oversupply from major producers like Brazil and the US will likely keep prices depressed in the near term.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian automobile sector is poised for a recovery as discounts are expected to decrease following recent GST rate cuts, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The GST Council's decision to lower rates on most auto segments to 18% from 28%, effective September 22, 2025, is anticipated to boost demand and enhance profit margins for automakers. The report has revised volume growth estimates for key segments, projecting two-wheeler sales to rise by 4% in FY26 and 7.5% in FY27, while passenger vehicles are expected to grow by 3% and 8%, respectively. Commercial vehicles and tractors are also forecasted to see significant growth. Factors such as a normal monsoon, reduced interest rates, and income tax benefits are expected to further stimulate demand, particularly during the upcoming festive season, contributing to a robust recovery in the sector.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Karnataka government has announced plans to develop a dedicated "coastal tourism policy," aiming to enhance the state's coastal assets similar to Kerala and Goa. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed this initiative during a tourism and hospitality conference in Bengaluru, where Tourism Minister H K Patil highlighted the identification of 40 strategic nodes for development. Patil emphasized Karnataka's extensive 300-km coastline and the establishment of a coastal tourism development board, inviting private investment in key properties and resorts. The announcement coincided with the 55th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which gathers industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the future of India's hospitality sector. The convention, themed 'Future Scape 2047: Redefining Hospitality for a New Era,' underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in shaping the tourism landscape.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inRajasekhar Thadepalli, president of the All India Federation of Timber and Allied Industries, has called for the establishment of a National Timber Board to formulate a comprehensive strategy for timber production, trade, and exports in India. Highlighting the surge in timber imports since 2010, driven by a boom in residential construction, Thadepalli noted that India accounted for 97% of global round wood imports and 26% of sawn timber imports in 2022. He emphasized the need for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on timber from 18% to 5%, arguing that this would make timber more affordable and promote its use over environmentally harmful alternatives. Thadepalli also advocated for public-private partnerships to incentivize large-scale plantations, suggesting that with the right support, India could become self-reliant in timber production and even export high-quality timber in the near future.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has established a special committee to investigate shark fishing and trade in India, following amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which took effect in 2022. These amendments have classified various shark and ray species under strict regulations, causing concern among fishermen who often catch these species as bycatch. CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized the need for a science-based approach to balance species protection with the livelihoods of coastal communities. The committee will assess the biological, ecological, and socioeconomic impacts of the conservation laws. In response to recent confusion over thresher sharks in Kanyakumari, CMFRI clarified that these sharks are listed under Schedule IV, allowing for domestic trade. To facilitate compliance, CMFRI proposed training for enforcement agencies, community monitoring, and the development of Non-Detriment Findings to guide sustainable trade practices.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 am
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