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The Rubber Board has dismissed claims from the tyre industry regarding discrepancies between official natural rubber production data and market conditions, asserting that its estimation methodology is scientifically sound and reliable. Established in 2013-14 and validated by experts, the methodology incorporates direct data from stakeholders and reflects changes in tapping practices. The Board's statistical system relies on monthly returns from estates, processors, and manufacturers, supplemented by surveys of small growers, ensuring data accuracy through stakeholder consultations. Natural rubber production is projected at 5.69 lakh tonnes for April-November 2025, a 4.6% increase from the previous year, driven by the Kerala government's Rubber Production Incentive Scheme. Consumption also rose to 9.60 lakh tonnes, a 3.1% year-on-year increase, with adequate stock levels maintained by the industry. Growers are reportedly holding stocks in anticipation of price rises, with total stocks estimated at 3.33 lakh tonnes by the end of November 2025. 
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inThe shipping industry in Kochi has welcomed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), anticipating a significant boost in trade volumes through Cochin Port. Currently, exports to the EU represent 15-17% of total trade, with marine products accounting for 12-15%. The revised tariff structure is expected to enhance these figures, potentially leading to increased capacity and new shipping services, according to Varghese George, president of the Kerala Steamer Agents Association. The agreement, which eliminates tariffs on key sectors such as textiles, apparel, and clothing—reducing rates from 12% to 0%—is set to drive a substantial increase in trade, particularly from India to Europe. Marine products will also benefit, with tariffs dropping from 26% to nil. This development is particularly advantageous for Kerala, known as South India's reefer hub, and is expected to elevate export activity and foreign exchange earnings for the government.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia has announced a new import policy for apples from European Union countries, setting a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹80 per kg along with a 20% duty. The policy includes a quantitative restriction, initially capping imports at 50,000 tonnes, which will gradually increase to 100,000 tonnes over the next decade. This move aims to protect domestic apple growers, as the effective landed cost for EU apples will remain at ₹96 per kg, ensuring price stability and safeguarding farmer incomes. In 2024, India imported approximately 500,000 tonnes of apples, with the EU contributing 56,717 tonnes. The government emphasized that the quota-based access is designed to replace existing imports without significantly increasing overall volumes. Additionally, Indian apples will enjoy zero duty for 5-7 years when exported to EU countries, creating new opportunities for domestic growers in the European market.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Tamil Nadu government has established a high-level committee aimed at bolstering Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the state, where over 460 FPOs have been formed under a government initiative. The committee, which is expected to report within two months, will assess the functioning of these organisations and propose strategies to enhance their scale and reach. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated this move following discussions with FPO members in Erode, where he acknowledged the operational and market challenges they face. The committee will comprise representatives from various agricultural bodies, including Nabard and Nafed, as well as officials from the Agriculture Ministry. It will focus on critical issues such as governance, sustainability, technical support, and market linkages, with particular attention to key crops in Tamil Nadu, including banana, turmeric, and coconut, aiming to improve business models and support systems for FPOs.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 7 pmeznews.inTVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd (TVS SCS) has announced the acquisition of Hyderabad-based 3PL company Swamy & Sons 3PL (S&S3PL) for an enterprise value of ₹88 crore. This strategic move grants TVS SCS an additional 4 million sq ft of warehousing space across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, expanding its portfolio to 116 warehouses and over 600 vehicles. K Sukumar, CEO of TVS SCS for India, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted that the acquisition will enhance their distribution capabilities, particularly in textiles, confectionery, and FMCG sectors, while also introducing value-added services like co-packing and temperature-controlled warehousing. The deal, funded through internal accruals, follows a previous acquisition in 2021 and positions TVS SCS among India's leading warehousing 3PL providers. Arun Swamy, the promoter of S&S3PL, will continue to lead the company during the transition.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe recently established India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to significantly enhance India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities by reducing costs and streamlining import processes. Duty cuts on European machinery and electronic components, which constitute approximately 70% of semiconductor fabrication capital expenditure, are expected to lower project costs for setting up semiconductor fabs. Industry leaders, including Ashok Chandak of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, highlight that the phased reduction of machinery duties from 44% to zero will be transformative. Additionally, the FTA promotes easier access to advanced equipment, such as Extreme Ultraviolet lithography machines from ASML, and facilitates collaboration between Indian and European firms. Experts emphasize that the FTA not only alleviates financial pressures but also accelerates customs clearance and harmonizes quality standards, ultimately fostering closer integration with Europe’s technology base and supporting long-term innovation in the sector.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 7 pmeznews.inFarmers from Dhenkanal district in Odisha have made a significant breakthrough by exporting 51 kg of fresh strawberries to London, marking the first overseas shipment of this fruit from the region. The strawberries were cultivated by Saptasajya Agro Producer Company Ltd, a local farmer producer organization, with support from the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. This initiative was part of the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organization project, backed by the Gates Foundation and implemented by Palladium, alongside assistance from APEDA and the World Trade Center. The export has allowed farmers to achieve nearly 50% higher prices than local markets, highlighting the potential of structured agri-exports. This milestone not only showcases Odisha's diversification into high-value horticultural crops but also reflects farmers' growing confidence in meeting international quality standards, responding to global demand for nutritious and responsibly sourced produce.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inPresident Draupadi Murmu addressed Parliament on Wednesday, emphasizing the significance of finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, which she believes will enhance the manufacturing and services sectors while creating job opportunities. Her remarks coincided with the commencement of the Budget Session, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her address as comprehensive and insightful. Murmu highlighted that the FTA, recently concluded, is expected to be ratified by EU member states within the year. She noted India's robust economic growth over the past 11 years, despite global challenges, and pointed to government policies that have increased citizens' incomes and savings. Additionally, she discussed reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that have saved citizens ₹1 lakh crore and the consolidation of labor laws to better protect workers' rights. Murmu also mentioned significant infrastructure developments in the North-East and rural areas, enhancing connectivity and access to essential services.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 6 pmeznews.inShares of Indian automakers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India, fell on Wednesday, with declines of 2.9% and 2.1% respectively, amid concerns over potential tariffs from South Africa. The South African government is reviewing measures to impose tariffs of up to 50% on vehicles imported from China and India to protect its domestic automotive industry, which has been struggling against a surge in imports. Currently, vehicles from these countries make up 53% and 22% of South Africa's total vehicle imports. The proposed tariffs could significantly impact Maruti Suzuki, which relies heavily on exports to South Africa, the continent's largest automobile market. The review also includes consultations on potential tax measures, including excise duties on luxury cars, as the industry faces additional pressures from U.S. tariffs and competition from lower-priced imports.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 5 pmeznews.inIndia has opened its nuclear sector to private companies following a new law passed in December, significantly advancing its goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, the year it aims to become a developed nation. This ambitious target represents an eleven-fold increase from current levels and could necessitate an investment of $211 billion. The law eases liability conditions for equipment suppliers and allows private firms to generate atomic power, previously a government monopoly. Global interest in India's nuclear market is growing, with companies like JSW Energy Ltd planning to start construction on their first nuclear project within three to four years. As countries worldwide, including Japan and China, expand their nuclear capabilities to meet rising electricity demands, India’s move could play a crucial role in the global nuclear revival, despite concerns over high construction costs and the need for public confidence in nuclear energy.
Published: Jan 28 2026, 5 pm
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