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Indian shrimp exports to the United States face significant challenges following the imposition of a 50% reciprocal tariff, prompting stakeholders to call for government intervention. The Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) warns that this tariff could jeopardize a $3 billion market, as it places Indian seafood at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Ecuador, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which enjoy lower tariff rates. SEAI has urged the government to reinstate the Interest Equalisation Scheme and enhance incentives under the RoDTEP to mitigate the impact on livelihoods, particularly in coastal and rural economies reliant on aquaculture. Additionally, industry leaders advocate for market diversification and stronger trade negotiations to address these barriers. Despite the immediate challenges, analysts suggest that India's position in the global shrimp market remains strong, with potential for recovery as local fundamentals improve. 
Published: Aug 07 2025, 7 pmeznews.inConcerns are mounting among Indian agricultural exporters as the US threatens to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on exports, potentially raising the total tariff to 50 per cent. Exporters, already struggling with high freight costs compared to South American competitors, warn that such tariffs could render many products uncompetitive. M.K. Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, highlighted the potential negative impact on rural incomes and the agricultural economy, particularly for time-sensitive goods like fruits and seafood. Kerala exporters are particularly anxious, as the increased tariffs could push them out of the black and white pepper market, where competitors face lower duties. US buyers are already seeking price renegotiations and considering alternative suppliers. Despite these challenges, industry leaders like Palat Vijayaraghavan emphasize the need for Indian agri-enterprises to innovate and adapt to maintain competitiveness in the evolving market.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn June 2025, the European Union emerged as the fourth-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, accounting for 10% (€1.47 billion) of the top five purchasers, with Hungary, Belgium, France, Slovakia, and the Netherlands leading the imports. This data highlights the EU's significant role in the ongoing energy trade with Russia, despite the geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, India has pushed back against U.S. pressure to halt its purchases of Russian crude oil, criticizing the perceived hypocrisy of Western nations that continue to import Russian energy while pressuring others. The Indian government asserts its sovereign right to energy security, emphasizing that it has received no directives to stop buying Russian oil. As the global oil market adjusts, Indian officials warn that cutting off Russian supplies could lead to skyrocketing prices, with Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stating that halting imports could be catastrophic for the global economy.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCapital expenditure by 60 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and four other organizations has surpassed 28% of their target in the first four months of the fiscal year 2025-26, according to data from the Public Enterprises Department. The CPSEs, including major players like NTPC, ONGC, and Indian Oil, collectively spent over ₹2.20 lakh crore against a target of over ₹7.84 lakh crore. Notably, NTPC allocated over ₹11,700 crore, while the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Railway Board spent over ₹45,600 crore and ₹79,000 crore, respectively. This uptick in capital expenditure is crucial for fostering growth, especially as private sector investment remains subdued. The central government's capital expenditure also saw significant growth, reaching 25% of its budget allocation in the first quarter, with the Department of Telecommunications leading the spending. Higher infrastructure investment is anticipated to positively influence overall economic growth, with data set to be released on August 29.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is a crucial supplier of generic drugs to the United States, providing over 40% of the market, including essential treatments for chronic diseases and cancer. However, the impending imposition of US tariffs, potentially rising from 25% to 250%, poses a significant threat to this supply chain, according to Namit Joshi, Chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). He emphasized that Indian generic drugmakers operate on thin margins and cannot absorb these tariffs, which would ultimately burden American consumers. With Indian pharmaceutical exports to the US valued at approximately $9 billion, Joshi warned that replicating India's capabilities would take years and face numerous challenges. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, highlighted the importance of affordable generic medicines for US healthcare, while industry experts noted that any tariff increases would likely lead to shortages in the US market.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia is preparing to address the impact of the 50% tariffs imposed by the US, its largest export market, valued at $86.5 billion in FY25. High-level government discussions have led to a multi-pronged strategy spearheaded by the Commerce Department, focusing on enhancing export promotion, diversifying markets, and encouraging import substitution to bolster domestic demand. The ₹2,240 crore export promotion mission will be tailored to support exporters affected by US tariffs, while efforts are underway to identify alternative markets for Indian goods. Despite the tariffs, India is refraining from immediate retaliatory measures, hoping to advance negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during talks scheduled for August 25. However, India remains firm on its red lines concerning sensitive agricultural products and GM crops. The strategy aims to mitigate the effects of US tariffs while fostering a constructive dialogue for trade resolution.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inHOSAPETE (KARNATAKA) - Water continues to surge from the Tungabhadra Dam as heavy rainfall and inflows from upstream reservoirs persist, contributing to a significant rise in water levels across India’s major reservoirs, which are now over 70% full. According to the Central Water Commission, the current storage stands at 72.55% of the total capacity, surpassing last year's levels and the ten-year average for this time of year. While the South-West monsoon has been generally surplus, some regions, particularly in the east and south, are experiencing deficiencies. Notably, northern reservoirs have seen a marked increase, with levels reaching nearly 72%. The situation is promising for upcoming kharif and rabi crops, although forecasts indicate that a negative Indian Ocean Dipole may delay the monsoon's withdrawal and the onset of the north-east monsoon in October.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a notable policy shift, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has officially recognised the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) as a key player in facilitating organic textile exports, marking the first time a private global standards body has been acknowledged in this capacity. A circular issued on July 31 clarifies that organic textiles are not subject to the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which applies to other organic products, thus eliminating the requirement for exporters to obtain a government-issued Transaction Certificate (TC) prior to export. This decision reverses a January directive that mandated compliance with NPOP standards for all certified organic products, causing confusion among stakeholders. While industry representatives welcomed the simplification of the export process, some experts expressed concerns that reliance on GOTS could undermine India's efforts to establish its own organic textile standards, potentially compromising long-term trade and environmental integrity.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Makaibari Tea Estate in Kurseong, spanning 588 hectares, is renowned for its Silver Tips Imperial tea, cultivated on just 248 hectares amidst dense forests teeming with wildlife. Founded by the Swaraj Banerjee family, the estate emphasizes natural farming practices, avoiding chemical fertilizers and relying on hand-made compost. Visitors can experience the estate's rich heritage by staying in the historic Makaibari Bungalow, now a homestay, while learning about the meticulous tea production process from estate manager Sanjay Das. Workers, predominantly women, earn ₹250 a day and often supplement their income by hosting guests. Despite facing challenges from climate change and competition from cheaper teas, Makaibari remains committed to its traditional methods and Fairtrade principles, fostering a strong community spirit. As Rudra Chatterjee of the Luxmi Group notes, the estate's focus on quality and care reflects a deeper connection between people and the land.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMangoPoint, a fresh mango exporter co-founded by Prasanna Venkatarathnam and Manjula Gandhi Rooban in 2018, has secured $1 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The investment aims to enhance the company's infrastructure, expand market reach, and diversify its product offerings. Other investors included The Chennai Angels, Native Angel Network, and JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation, among others. MangoPoint has carved a niche as a supplier of high-quality, chemical-free mangoes and processed mango products for North America and Europe. IPV's Co-Founder Mitesh Shah highlighted the challenges faced by Indian mangoes in the global market, such as inadequate post-harvest handling and supply chain issues. Rooban expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with IPV, emphasizing the potential for innovation and the development of a robust mango value chain, positioning MangoPoint as a leader in the industry.
Published: Aug 07 2025, 7 pm
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