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A new trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam is raising alarms for Indian exporters, as highlighted in a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The deal, which imposes a flat 20% tariff on all Vietnamese exports to the US, marks a significant shift from the historic 2000 agreement that allowed Vietnamese goods to enter the US at concessional tariffs of 2 to 10%. This change could jeopardize Vietnam's export flow, valued at $135 billion, and reverse two decades of trade liberalization. The report emphasizes that Indian exporters, who view Vietnam as both a competitor and a partner in regional value chains, must heed the lessons from this agreement, particularly regarding the risks of reversing trade concessions and the implications of blanket tariffs. As India negotiates its own trade deal with the US, the timing of this agreement is critical, urging Indian policymakers to closely monitor evolving US trade policies in Asia. 
Published: Jul 03 2025, 9 ameznews.inKashmir's lucrative apple industry is facing a severe waste crisis, with over 25,000 tonnes of rotting apples produced annually from Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities. The region, home to 100 to 106 CA units with a capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tonnes, sees around 5% of stored apples, primarily C-grade fruit, spoil after six months. In the absence of a waste management plan, operators often dispose of the decayed apples in open areas, raising significant environmental and public health concerns. The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board has issued notices to several operators for potential legal action due to violations of environmental regulations. Experts warn that improper disposal can lead to water contamination and eutrophication. Advocates suggest that with proper infrastructure, this waste could be transformed into compost or biogas, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in the industry.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIndia is facing a tight sugar supply, with an estimated 9 million tonnes available for domestic sales from August to November, primarily due to increased demand during the festival season. The government and sugar mills are optimistic about an early start to the next crushing season in October to enhance availability, although the monsoon's performance will be crucial in determining the need for sugar imports. In contrast to the previous year's comfortable supply, this season's closing stock could drop to 4.7 million tonnes, necessitating production of 3-3.5 million tonnes in the initial months of the new season. Recent data indicates a notional closing stock of 11.2 million tonnes as of June 30, with a total sugar quota allocation of 22.95 million tonnes for the current period, reflecting a 6% decrease from last year. Industry experts anticipate a demand surge with upcoming festivals, despite a recent dip in sales attributed to early monsoon rains.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inRajiv Memani, the newly appointed President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), addressed a press conference in New Delhi on July 3, 2025, outlining his vision for India's economic growth. He projected that the Indian economy could expand between 6.4% and 6.7% in FY26, despite unprecedented global challenges. Memani emphasized the need for further economic reforms, advancements in artificial intelligence, and a focus on high-end manufacturing to capitalize on growth opportunities. He highlighted four positive macroeconomic indicators, including rising private sector investments and declining inflation, while acknowledging risks from geopolitical uncertainties. Under the CII's theme "Accelerating Competitiveness," he proposed transforming the National Manufacturing Mission into an action-oriented body to boost manufacturing's GDP share to 25% by 2047. Memani called for a structured approach to enhance industry engagement and streamline processes across various government sectors.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIndia's ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 faces significant challenges, including delays in power purchase agreements (PPAs), frequent tender cancellations, and insufficient transmission infrastructure, according to a policy brief by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and We Mean Business Coalition. The brief emphasizes that decarbonising the power sector is essential for meeting national climate commitments and highlights the need for improved renewable energy (RE) integration to address rising energy demands. Recommendations include removing regulatory uncertainties around Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) rules, incentivising battery energy storage solutions, and fast-tracking RE grid integration through enhanced infrastructure. Additionally, the brief calls for the introduction of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport alternatives. Continued policy support and investment in public charging infrastructure are deemed crucial for boosting consumer confidence in electric vehicles.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inUgaoo, an urban gardening and houseplants company founded in 2016, is set to expand its physical presence with plans to open over 80 retail outlets across major Indian cities by 2029-30. Founder and CEO Siddhant Bhalinge announced that the company, which recently launched its flagship store in Pune, has already established 10 outlets in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. Ugaoo operates a 25-acre farm in Talegaon, cultivating over 1,500 plant varieties, which allows for flexibility in meeting consumer demand and maintaining quality control. The company reported a significant revenue increase, reaching ₹63 crore in 2023-24, and aims to enhance its tech infrastructure and supply chain. Bhalinge emphasized the growing trend of home gardening in India, driven by urban consumers seeking plants for both aesthetic and emotional benefits, as well as the desire for cleaner air and stress relief.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe illegal trade of herbicide-tolerant (HT) cottonseeds has surged dramatically, with sales rising from 30-40 lakh packets in previous years to one crore packets this year, posing a significant challenge for legitimate seed companies in India. These HT seeds, which are not yet approved by regulators, have flooded the market before authorized seeds could be distributed, leading to a staggering inventory of around 7 crore packets against a market size of 4-4.5 crore packets. This oversupply threatens the financial stability of seed companies, which had anticipated higher demand and ramped up production. Industry experts warn that unless the government takes decisive action against illegal HT seed producers, the cottonseed sector could face severe repercussions. With cotton acreage expected to rise by 7-8% this year, the situation remains precarious, prompting calls for a halt in production to mitigate losses.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inEmployment in India continued its upward trajectory in June, marking the thirty-seventh consecutive month of job growth, according to S&P Global. Although the pace of job creation slowed from May's record levels, it still exceeded the long-term average. The services sector, which contributes over 50% to the Gross Value Added, saw a significant boost, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching a ten-month high of 60.4, driven by increased sales and business activity. However, while new domestic orders surged, new export orders grew at a slower rate. Input cost inflation eased to a ten-month low, allowing service providers to maintain pricing power despite rising staff costs. Despite a slight dip in overall confidence among service providers, 18% remain optimistic about future growth. In manufacturing, the PMI also rose to a 14-month high of 58.4, reflecting strong export demand.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe Indian electronics manufacturing sector, once buoyed by the "Make in India" initiative, is now facing significant challenges as investor confidence wanes amid shrinking margins and slowing growth. Companies like Dixon Technologies and Kaynes Technology have seen their shares plummet over 15% this year, diverging from broader market trends. Analysts express concerns that high valuations and increased competition, coupled with the impending expiration of government production-linked incentives, are contributing to this downturn. While some firms are investing heavily in expansion, such as Kaynes' $397 million semiconductor facility, the overall sentiment has shifted, with major Wall Street firms downgrading their outlooks. The sector's struggles extend beyond electronics, affecting renewable energy and auto components as well. Experts warn that the future of India's manufacturing ambitions hinges on sustainable growth and competitive advantages, rather than reliance on government support.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndiGo and Air India Express have secured fifth and tenth positions, respectively, in a global ranking of the lowest carbon-emitting airlines, compiled by aviation analytics firm Cirium. The study assessed carbon dioxide emissions per available seat kilometre (ASK), a key industry metric reflecting passenger capacity. Wizz Air of Hungary topped the list with an impressive 53.9 grams of CO2 per ASK in 2024, while IndiGo and Air India Express recorded emissions of 58.2 grams and 60.5 grams per ASK, respectively. The rankings highlight the importance of operating young, fuel-efficient aircraft and high-density cabin configurations, which help distribute emissions across more passengers. IndiGo boasts the youngest fleet among major airlines, with an average age of 4.1 years, compared to Air India Express's 6.9 years. Cirium's methodology emphasizes emission intensity, focusing on factors such as aircraft efficiency and route optimisation.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 8 pm
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