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Tea exports from India to the United States are projected to decline by 30-40% in 2025, following a 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, experts warned at the India International Tea Convention in Kochi. In 2024, India exported 16.5 million kg of tea worth $92.1 million to the US, but by July 2025, exports had already dropped to 9.6 million kg. Dan Bolton, founder of Tea Journey Magazine, noted that the global trade landscape is shifting from a multilateral system to one influenced by transnationalism and mercantilism. Meanwhile, James Suranga Perera, Executive Director of the International Tea Committee, highlighted the need to boost domestic tea consumption in India, the world's second-largest producer and consumer. Despite a projected production increase to 1.2 billion kg in 2025, a global surplus of over 100 million kg indicates a significant mismatch between production and demand. 
Published: Sep 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), emphasized the need for the Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) to develop infrastructure that supports trading and settlement of currency pairs beyond the traditional dollar-rupee at a recent event. He highlighted that as new interest rate derivative products emerge, CCIL should proactively enhance its capabilities to meet market demands. Malhotra noted that market liquidity is influenced not only by volume but also by the diversity of participants, suggesting that expanding access to corporates, non-residents, and investors could improve liquidity and efficiency. He advocated for continuous innovation at CCIL, including the integration of mobile trading apps, real-time news platforms, and decentralized peer-to-peer systems. Currently, CCIL plays a crucial role in clearing a significant portion of government securities, foreign exchange forwards, and various interest rate swaps, underscoring its importance in the Indian financial landscape.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA report by the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) forecasts a steady growth in sugar consumption in India, projected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5-2% from 2024-25 to 2029-30. With an anticipated gross sugar production of 36 million tonnes for the upcoming season, the government is expected to permit 1 million tonnes for export while maintaining a closing stock of 6 million tonnes by September 2026. Praful Vithalani, Chairman of the Jagjivan Keshavji group, emphasized the need for a 20% increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to support farmers and the industry. ISMA's president, Gautam Goel, presented three key demands to the Food Minister, including a hike in sugar prices and an export permit for 2 million tonnes. The report also highlights a shift towards institutional consumption, which now accounts for 60-65% of total sugar use, driven by growth in end-use industries despite health trends impacting retail consumption.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia is reassessing its strategy regarding the Chabahar port following the US decision to revoke sanctions exemptions that previously facilitated investments in the Iranian port. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ports Ministry, to evaluate the implications of this move, which is critical for India's trade ambitions with Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan to access Afghanistan and beyond. The port is integral to India's broader trade diversification efforts and the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Industry experts express concern that the US decision could hinder access to new markets and weaken strategic ties, prompting Indian exporters to consider alternatives. While some analysts suggest India may proceed with the project despite US sanctions, others warn of potential repercussions for Indian entities involved. The MEA plans to determine the next steps after thorough consultations, as operations at Chabahar are expected to ramp up significantly by 2026.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia's kharif pulses acreage has seen a slight increase, reaching 118 lakh hectares as of September 12, compared to 117.25 lakh hectares last year. However, following record imports in the previous financial year, the country has experienced a significant slowdown in pulses imports due to weak demand and declining prices. For the April-August period, the value of imports fell by 52% to $841.11 million, with August alone witnessing a 64% drop to $114.87 million. Notably, imports of most pulses, including urad and chana, have decreased, while tur imports rose by 6%. Experts attribute this decline to increased domestic production and lower landed costs, as prices in producing countries have fallen. Additionally, excessive rainfall in August and September may adversely affect the yields of crops like moong and urad.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAt the Kerala-European Union Conclave, "Blue Tides," Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized Kerala's pivotal role in advancing India's blue economy through sustainable initiatives. Addressing attendees, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and various state ministers, Singh highlighted Kerala's innovative approaches in the fishery sector, which have led to increased fish production and exports. Vijayan underscored the potential of Kerala-EU collaboration in fostering sustainable development, while Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian reiterated the state's commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability. EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, noted that the conclave showcased Kerala's potential for partnerships, emphasizing the state's attractiveness for European collaborations focused on sustainability and innovation. The event marked a significant step towards enhancing Kerala's fisheries sector, aligning with both national and European visions for a sustainable blue economy that benefits local communities and the environment.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRetail inflation for agricultural and rural labourers in India saw a slight increase in August 2025, as reported by the Labour Ministry. The All-India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for agricultural labourers rose by 1.03 points to 136.34, while the index for rural labourers increased by 0.94 points to 136.60. Year-on-year inflation rates also climbed, with agricultural labourers experiencing a rise to 1.07% from 0.77% in July, and rural labourers seeing an increase to 1.26% from 1.01%. Notably, despite the overall CPI rise, food inflation remained negative, contracting to -0.55% for agricultural labourers and -0.28% for rural labourers. The Labour Bureau compiles this data from 787 sample villages across 34 states and Union Territories, which is essential for adjusting minimum wages and implementing welfare measures for rural and farm workers.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNew Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed optimism about a potential deal between India and the United States, emphasizing the significant stakes involved for both nations. Speaking during his economic mission trip to India, Murphy highlighted the importance of strengthening ties amid current tensions, particularly following the imposition of tariffs by the US on Indian goods. He noted that New Jersey is committed to fostering international investments, especially in sectors like biopharma and technology, and has introduced incentives for onshore manufacturing to navigate the tariff challenges. Murphy underscored the collaborative opportunities between New Jersey and India in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and digital technology. He acknowledged the complexities of the geopolitical landscape but remained hopeful that constructive dialogue would prevail, viewing the current situation as a temporary setback rather than a long-term trend. Murphy's visit includes stops in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kerala.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndia's raw jute production for the 2024-25 season is expected to remain stable at around 75 lakh bales, despite a slight decrease in the area sown, from 4.90 lakh hectares last year to 4.70 lakh hectares this year. The Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) Chairman, Raghavendra Gupta, noted that good rainfall has improved both yield and quality. Currently, the weighted average price of raw jute stands at ₹8,143 per quintal, significantly above the minimum support price of ₹5,650, driven by high demand and a recent ban on jute imports from Bangladesh. This ban, aimed at protecting the domestic industry, restricts the entry of various jute products through land ports, although it may impact Indian exports reliant on high-quality raw jute from Bangladesh. The government’s demand for jute bags for food grain packaging remains strong, with an expected procurement of 18 lakh bales for the Kharif season.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe World Teak Conference 2025 concluded with nine pivotal recommendations aimed at enhancing sustainable teak production and expanding trade opportunities. Key proposals included promoting mixed-cropping plantations, supporting agroforestry research, and adopting eco-friendly phytosanitary measures for imported wood. The conference also advocated for the use of artificial intelligence in monitoring, the establishment of clonal plantations to boost yield, and addressing challenges faced by smallholder teak farmers. Additionally, it called for localized training in teak management, exploring carbon credit market linkages, and increasing investment in teak research. Emphasizing teak's significance beyond timber as a driver of economic growth and sustainability, participants urged for improved technical support and market access for smallholders. The event, organized by the International Tropical Timber Organization, TEAKNET, and the Kerala Forest Research Institute, highlighted teak's role in sustainable development and climate resilience, with notable contributions from key forestry officials.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 7 pmeznews.inJapan's Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) has upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating from 'BBB' to 'BBB+', maintaining a 'stable' outlook for the economy. This marks the third upgrade in recent months, following S&P Global's upgrade to 'BBB' and Morningstar DBRS's upgrade to 'BBB' earlier this year. The Finance Ministry hailed the upgrade as a testament to India's dynamic economy, expected to attract foreign investment and sustain growth. R&I cited the government's progress in reducing the fiscal deficit and strengthening external stability, with a low current account deficit and manageable debt levels. While acknowledging potential risks from rising US tariffs, the agency noted India's limited reliance on US exports and robust domestic demand as mitigating factors. The Finance Ministry emphasized that this upgrade reflects global confidence in India's macroeconomic fundamentals and commitment to inclusive growth and fiscal prudence.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 6 pm
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