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The European Union (EU) has announced plans to reduce the maximum residual limits (MRLs) for agrochemicals Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam, and Clothianidin, raising concerns among Indian tea exporters. The MRL for Thiacloprid will be lowered from May 2025, while reductions for Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin will take effect in March 2026. This move comes as the Indian tea industry grapples with climate change impacts and pest infestations, which have already led to a significant drop in production. The United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) is urging the Indian government to expedite the approval of alternative, EU-compliant pest control chemicals to mitigate potential export losses. Despite these challenges, India's tea exports have increased by 14.15% in value during the current financial year, reaching $768.09 million, with the West Asia and North Africa region being the largest market. 
Published: Mar 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inNepal is set to begin exporting _chakki atta_, a traditional whole wheat flour, to China to cater to the growing demand from the Indian and Nepali diaspora, according to a local miller. This move comes after Nepal's reliance on Indian wheat imports was disrupted in 2023 when India banned exports. Currently, Nepal imports wheat primarily from Ukraine and Australia, with a 5% duty on Indian imports compared to 10% on those from other countries. Despite India allowing limited wheat exports in January, traders deemed the quantity insufficient. As of February, 72.7% of Nepal's wheat imports came from Ukraine. The country, which produces 21.5 million tonnes of wheat annually, has seen Japan emerge as its largest market for flour products, raising questions about India's ability to export wheat products despite Nepal's dependence on imports.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBrussels Airport is actively negotiating with Air India and IndiGo to restore direct flights between India and Belgium, aiming to enhance travel and trade between the two nations. The discussions are part of a Belgian economic mission to India, led by Princess Astrid, which includes federal ministers and business representatives. In 2024, approximately 150,000 passengers traveled between the countries, highlighting India's status as Belgium's largest unserved Asian market. A spokesperson for Brussels Airport emphasized that new flights would significantly boost business, tourism, and family visits. Historically, Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines have operated routes to India, but connectivity has been limited since 2019. Air India, the largest carrier on India-Europe routes, and IndiGo, which is expanding its European operations, are seen as key players in revitalizing this air link, particularly for cargo transport, including pharmaceuticals, which are vital to the Belgian market.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Indian Poultry Alliance (IPA), a subsidiary of the Allana Group, has acquired Belgaum-based Kwality Animal Feeds Pvt Ltd for ₹300 crore, marking a significant consolidation in the Indian poultry sector. This acquisition, announced on March 4, 2025, will be bolstered by an additional ₹200 crore investment aimed at expanding Kwality's operations. Established in 1983, Kwality is a fully integrated player in the poultry industry, with a strong presence in West and South India, and partnerships with major food service providers. IPA's Managing Director, Moiz Chunawalla, emphasized the acquisition's role in enhancing supply chain efficiency and driving innovation in poultry nutrition. Over the next three years, IPA plans to invest ₹2,000 crore to scale up manufacturing, integrate advanced technologies, and expand into metropolitan markets, while also pursuing three more acquisitions this year to meet rising consumer demand for high-protein poultry products.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's ambitious plan to install 25 crore smart meters by March 2026 is facing significant hurdles, with less than 10% of the project completed as of February 2025. Currently, 2.18 crore smart meters have been installed against 22.24 crore sanctioned and 13.80 crore awarded. Challenges include complex tendering processes, logistical issues, outdated billing systems, and consumer protests over higher bills. Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik acknowledged these delays, attributing them to the novelty of smart meters and issues with data validation and testing. Experts emphasize that merely installing smart meters won't reduce losses; improvements in processes and systems are essential. However, there is optimism about the future, with potential benefits for the sector, including enhanced efficiency and reduced financial losses, as seen in Assam, where smart meters have led to significant consumer savings and improved rankings in Discom performance.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall has been recorded in parts of South Peninsula and Central India during the first three days of the pre-monsoon season, with significant surpluses noted in regions like Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rising temperatures in the West Coast and interior South Peninsula, while a western disturbance is expected to bring cooler conditions to North and North-West India. Thunderstorms, known locally as nor’westers or Kal Baisakhi, are anticipated in East and North-East India, posing risks of high winds and hail. The IMD reported a rainfall surplus of 241% in the South Peninsula and 48% in North-West India, while Central India faced a stark deficit of 99%. As the weather pattern evolves, temperatures in Rajasthan are expected to drop by 2-3°C, with further changes anticipated as the disturbance moves eastward.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSince the onset of the US-China trade war during Donald Trump's first term, China has strategically reduced its reliance on American agricultural imports to enhance its food security. In retaliation to US tariffs, Beijing halted purchases of US farm goods and later signed the "Phase 1" trade deal, which it ultimately failed to uphold. Over the years, China diversified its agricultural suppliers, ramped up domestic production of genetically modified crops, and enacted its first food security law in 2024, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in staple grains. Recent measures include imposing additional tariffs on US agricultural products, increasing local grain production, and promoting smart farming technologies. By the end of 2024, China's agricultural imports from the US had dropped by 14%, while its total grain production reached a record 706.5 million metric tons, underscoring its commitment to food security amid ongoing trade tensions.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe US Chamber of Commerce's US-India Business Council (USIBC) has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States, as trade talks commenced between Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US counterpart Howard Lutnick. USIBC President Atul Keshap highlighted that a formal trade framework is essential for enhancing economic ties, noting that India currently accounts for only 2.5% of US trade volumes. He urged both governments to establish a level playing field, improve market access, and eliminate non-tariff barriers to foster investment and job creation. This call for action follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, where they set a goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The US goods trade with India reached $129.2 billion in 2024, with a trade deficit of $45.7 billion.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a move to streamline the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration process, the Tax Administration has introduced a new facility allowing promoters or directors of new GST applicant companies to complete their biometric authentication at any GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) within their home state, excluding Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim. Previously, applicants had to undergo biometric authentication at a designated GSK based on their jurisdiction. This enhancement enables eligible individuals, including those from public and private limited companies, to select a GSK in their home state via an email notification, with the option being a one-time choice. The biometric process must be completed before the Primary Authorized Signatory visits the GSK for document verification. While this new option is not mandatory, it aims to facilitate a smoother registration experience for GST applicants across India.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inChina's imports of U.S. agricultural products fell to $29.25 billion in 2024, a 14% decrease from the previous year, continuing a trend of declining trade since the onset of the U.S.-China trade war. This decline is exacerbated by Beijing's plans for retaliatory measures against new U.S. tariffs, which could include both tariffs and non-tariff barriers targeting American agricultural goods. Despite these challenges, China remains the largest market for U.S. farmers, with soybeans, corn, and meat being significant exports. In 2024, U.S. soybean exports to China totaled $12.8 billion, but competition from Brazilian soybeans has reduced U.S. market share. Corn imports from the U.S. plummeted to $561 million as China increasingly turns to Brazil. Other commodities, including cotton and wheat, also saw declines, reflecting China's efforts to diversify its import sources and bolster domestic production for food security.
Published: Mar 04 2025, 6 am
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