Author: Editorial Desk

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has called on the government to extend the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) Scheme for aluminium-producing units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), citing concerns over global trade uncertainties. Under the RoDTEP Scheme, exporters are eligible for refunds on embedded central, state, and local duties and taxes. Until February this year, aluminium-producing units operating under Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and SEZs were covered under the scheme. In a statement, AAI highlighted the critical need to continue the RoDTEP benefits for aluminum producers operating within AA/EOU/SEZ units. With…

Egypt, the world’s largest date producer with an annual output of 1.87 million tons, currently exports only 2% of its production, highlighting significant growth potential. According to the Agricultural Export Council (AEC), date exports generate $90 million annually, contributing just 1% of Egypt’s total agricultural exports. Expanding Market Opportunities With Saudi Arabia—the second-largest date producer—consuming 80% of its 1.64 million ton output domestically, Egypt has an opportunity to strengthen its export market. The country currently exports premium date varieties such as Medjool, Sukkary, Khalas, and Ajwa, but experts suggest diversifying its offerings to include semi-dry varieties, which are in high…

Apple is set to begin manufacturing AirPods in India at Foxconn’s Hyderabad facility starting in April 2025, according to industry sources. This marks Apple’s second major product category to be produced in India, following the iPhone. A source familiar with the development stated, “Production of AirPods will commence at Foxconn’s Hyderabad plant in April, but it will initially be exclusively for exports.” Foxconn, Apple’s key manufacturing partner, has invested $400 million to establish the Hyderabad plant, a move aligned with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its global supply chain. Apple currently leads the global true wireless stereo (TWS) device market,…

The latest Global Trade Update by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals a mixed global economic outlook, with developing nations—particularly India and China—leading trade expansion, even as the world grapples with economic challenges. While global trade surged by nearly $1.2 trillion in 2024, reaching a total of $33 trillion, concerns over trade imbalances, geopolitical tensions, and rising protectionist policies cast a shadow over 2025. India and China emerged as key drivers of trade momentum in the fourth quarter of 2024. Both nations recorded higher-than-average trade growth, contrasting with the sluggish performance of several developed economies. India’s quarterly imports in…

Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to rectify its trade imbalance by enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced at a forum held in Addis Ababa under the theme ‘Driving Efficiency through Seamless Connectivity.’ Speaking at the forum, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing the nation’s trade deficit through strategic improvements in the sector, particularly in railway infrastructure. He emphasized that enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of transport and logistics services, including the railway network, is crucial for achieving a balanced trade regime and strengthening Ethiopia’s global competitiveness. The minister…

British food and drink exports to the European Union have fallen by more than a third since Brexit, according to new figures from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). The decline underscores the impact of post-Brexit trade barriers on the UK’s most significant trading relationship. Post-Brexit Trade Challenges Impacting UK Exports Despite the continued popularity of British products such as whisky, chocolate, and cheese, overall food export volumes to the EU dropped to 6.37 billion kg in 2024—a 34% decline compared to 2019. The FDF attributes much of this reduction to bureaucratic complexities introduced after the UK’s departure from the…

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcohol in retaliation to the European Union’s recent tariff hike on American spirits, intensifying an already volatile trade war. Retaliation Over Steel and Aluminum Tariffs The trade dispute escalated following the EU’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on American spirits, a response to Trump’s 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel that took effect on Wednesday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that unless the EU rescinded its new tariff, the U.S. would impose heavy duties on wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic products from France and…

For the first time in history, Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the United States in 2024, according to data from the country’s Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER). European countries imported 27,494 tons of Costa Rican coffee, accounting for 42.6% of total shipments, while the US received 25,759 tons, representing 40% of exports. Although Costa Rica’s total coffee export volumes have declined slightly over the past four years, farmers are shifting their focus to higher-quality beans, responding to growing demand for premium and specialty coffee in Europe and Asia. Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany emerged as the leading European…

President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on all US steel and aluminum imports came into effect on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s effort to reshape global trade norms in favour of the United States. The decision restores a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports and extends duties to hundreds of downstream products made from these metals, including nuts, bolts, bulldozer blades, and soda cans. International Response The European Commission swiftly announced countermeasures, stating that it would impose retaliatory tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods from next month. Close allies such as Canada,…

Atradius DSB is set to introduce a new financial product aimed at strengthening critical mineral imports into the Netherlands, aligning with other export credit agencies (ECAs) in addressing long-term supply concerns. The Dutch ECA has initiated a pilot phase for a loan guarantee facility supporting foreign raw material projects, particularly benefiting industries such as photovoltaic solar and wind power manufacturing. The product is expected to be formally launched later this year. Supporting Renewable Energy and Industrial Needs According to Stephan Naber, head of SMEs at Atradius DSB, the initiative primarily focuses on securing essential materials and biofuels for the Netherlands…