Author: Editorial Desk

India cannot remain a passive spectator as geopolitical conflicts, sanctions, and tariffs reshape global trade and supply chains, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, she underlined India’s resilience while calling for greater assertiveness in shaping global outcomes. Addressing delegates, Sitharaman said the world is undergoing deep uncertainty that is altering both global and Indian interests. She noted that shifting trade and geopolitical tensions are redefining how nations engage with each other. “For India, these dynamics highlight both vulnerability and resilience. Our capacity to absorb shocks is…

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism on Thursday that upcoming trade discussions with China could deliver a ‘big breakthrough,’ while also signalling new aid measures for American soybean farmers. Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Bessent highlighted an anticipated meeting later this month in South Korea between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which he described as the most significant development to watch. He also said his own negotiations with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng “should show a pretty big breakthrough.” The upbeat comments come as Washington and Beijing work to ease tensions after months of tariff…

Indonesia is investigating possible radioactive contamination in its clove exports after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported finding Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in shipments. The probe follows a similar case earlier this year involving frozen shrimp. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who also heads the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), said a team has been deployed and will visit the site on Saturday to conduct inspections and take action. Speaking at the 2025 World Lakes Day commemoration in Jakarta on October 1, he stressed that the government is addressing the matter with urgency and seriousness. Hanif said he will personally…

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has urged China to lift its unofficial restrictions on iron ore imports, calling for a return to stable trade ties between the two nations. The appeal comes amid mounting concerns over the economic fallout from the ongoing disruption, which has severely affected Australia’s most valuable export commodity. The trade standoff is the latest in a series of strained exchanges between Canberra and Beijing following disputes over international policy, foreign investment rules, and security concerns. China has placed tariffs and unofficial curbs on a range of Australian exports, including coal, barley, wine, and beef. While iron…

The leaders of South Korea and Japan pledged closer economic ties on Tuesday in a wide range of areas as both nations navigate an evolving global trade environment, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the port city of Busan, marking the first visit in 21 years by a Japanese leader to a South Korean city outside the capital. Presidential spokeswoman Kang Yu-jung said the leaders agreed on the need for deeper coordination and expanding collaboration into new areas, including Arctic shipping routes. Lee expressed hope that the two…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set out measures to expand the international use of the Indian Rupee, reflecting the country’s ambition to position the currency as a regional trade and finance alternative. The initiatives were unveiled at the October 1 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, highlighting India’s growing intent to deepen its financial influence across South Asia. Under the new framework, Authorized Dealer (AD) banks will be permitted to lend in rupees to non-residents from Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for cross-border trade. The RBI will also introduce transparent reference rates for major foreign currencies, a move aimed…

Exporters in 2025 face stricter regulations, tariff shifts, and rising buyer expectations for sustainability and traceability. With global trade nearing $33 trillion in 2024, pressure on exporters to deliver higher volumes more reliably is intensifying. Meanwhile, the next-generation packaging market is projected to grow from $14.55 billion in 2025 to $25.5 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.43%, underscoring how fast packaging strategies are evolving. Sustainability Emerges as Essential Eco-friendly packaging is expanding rapidly as brands respond to both consumer and regulatory pressure. Market research shows the sector could nearly double in size by the early 2030s. Exporters that…

China has lifted its 30% import tax on Indian pharmaceuticals, enabling Indian drug makers to sell their products duty-free in the Chinese market. The move, announced after the United States imposed a 100% levy on pharmaceutical imports, marks a major shift in the global pharmaceutical trade and opens new opportunities for India’s exporters. For Indian pharmaceutical companies, the timing is critical. The U.S. has long been a primary destination for India’s $25 billion-plus medicine export sector, particularly for low-cost generic drugs. Rising trade restrictions in Washington now threaten market access and profitability. China’s decision provides an alternative, giving Indian producers…

The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) of Dubai, in collaboration with Germany’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), has organized the second advanced training program on the control of exports and imports of dual-use goods. The initiative forms part of SIRA’s strategy to strengthen security and develop commercial control systems at both local and international levels. Hosted in Dubai, the program brought together international experts to share knowledge and global best practices in the regulation of dual-use goods, reinforcing SIRA’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships and aligning with international standards. The program’s objectives focused on enhancing the…

Automakers are increasingly tapping the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through initial public offerings (IPOs), seeking fresh capital to accelerate new energy vehicle (NEV) development, expand overseas production, and strengthen their position in the rapidly evolving smart mobility sector. Leading this wave is Chery Automobile, which made a strong market debut on Thursday. The Anhui-based automaker raised HK$9.1 billion ($1.16 billion) in the city’s largest automotive IPO of 2025. Its shares closed at HK$34.16, about 11% higher than the IPO price of HK$30.75. Chery’s robust performance reflects its rising global stature. In 2024, the company sold 2.3 million vehicles, ranking second…