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27 Jun, 2023 News Image

The removal of additional retaliatory duties for import of US apples will not result in any negative impact on domestic apple producers.

With the decision of resolution of six outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) disputes between US and India through mutually agreed solutions as jointly communicated during the official state visit of the Prime Minister to the USA, India will remove additional duties on eight US products, including apples, leading to restoration of market access for Indian steel and aluminum exports to the US.

The decision will not result in any negative impact on domestic apple producers and will result in competition in premium market segment ensuring better quality at better prices for consumers.

After removal of this duty, the apples from the US would compete on level playing field with other countries.

The decision will ensure that only premium quality apples could be imported for which there exists a specific market segment and specific demand.

An additional 20% duty was imposed on US apples in 2019 in response to USA's measure to increase tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products. There is no reduction on Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty on apples which is still applicable on all imported apples including on USA at 50%.

The import of apples from the world has been stable in the range of US$ 239 – 305 million (except in 2021-22 when it was US$ 385 million) in the last five financial years since application of these additional duties on US apples. The import of apples from USA has decreased from US$ 145 million (127,908 Ton) in FY 2018-19 to only US$ 5.27 million (4,486 Ton) in FY 2022-23.

The market share of the US apples was taken by other countries due to imposition of additional retaliatory duty on US apples. This is reflected as the import of apples from countries other than the US increased from US$ 160 million in FY 2018-19 to US$ 290 million in FY 2022-23. Turkey, Italy, Chile, Iran and New Zealand are other top exporters to India of apples which took the market share of the US.

Further on 8 May 2023, DGFT vide notification 5/ 2023 made amendment in import policy for Apples under ITC (HS) 08081000 by applying MIP (Minimum Import Price) of Rs 50 per Kg for all countries except Bhutan. Therefore, this MIP will also be applicable on apples from US as well as other countries (excluding Bhutan), thus preventing any flooding and protecting domestic growers from predatory pricing.

After application of additional duty on US apples, its share in premium market segment was taken by countries like Turkey, Brazil, New Zealand, Italy, etc. as mentioned above.

Data pertaining to apple import is given below:

FY	Import from US (Value)	Import from USA (QTY)	Import from World (Value)	Import from World (QTY)	Import from other than US (QTY)	Import from other than US (Value)	MFN Duty (BCD+AIDC - as applicable)
22-23	5.27	4,486.48	295.94	373505.70	3,69,019.22	290.67	50
21-22	21.82	18,396.02	385.10	459251.84	4,40,855.82	363.28	50
20-21	34.60	34,288.73	239.59	262233.08	2,27,944.35	204.99	50
19-20	51.58	48,282.48	254.55	272435.28	2,24,152.80	202.97	50
18-19	145.20	1,27,908.23	pib.gov.in
27 Jun, 2023 Healthy numbers. Horticulture production in 2022-23 estimated at record 351 million tonnes. India’s horticulture output is likely to have reached a record 350.87 million tonnes (mt) in the current crop year (July 2022-June 2023) as production of fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops increased significantly. However, among the key essential items, onion and tomato production has been estimated a tad lower but potato output has been pegged higher. The output of all the horticulture products was 347.18 mt in 2021-22. Releasing the first advance estimates of area and production for 2022-23 and final estimates of 2021-22, Union Agriculture Ministry on Monday said data have been compiled on the basis of information received from States and other government agencies. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar credited the hard work of farmers and expertise of agriculture scientists as well as the Centre’s policies for the record production. According to data from the Agriculture Ministry, the area under horticulture has been rising and reached 28.28 million hectares (mh) in 2022-23 from 28.04 mh last year. Upward revision Experts said the gap is marginal in the first estimate compared with last year’s final estimate and there could be an upward revision in production in subsequent updates. Onion production is estimated to be 31.1 mt this year, down from 31.69 mt in 2021-22, while tomato production is likely to be 20.62 mt against 20.69 mt. Potato output is expected to be higher at 59.74 mt compared with 56.18 mt last year. Total production of vegetables has been pegged at 212.53 mt compared with 209.14 mt. Fruits production is seen at 107.75 mt this year as against 107.51 mt in 2021-22. Source: thehindubusinessline.com
27 Jun, 2023 FSSAI directs laboratories to strengthen testing infrastructure for organic products. The Government has decided to promote organic products in India by encouraging and strengthening cooperative societies. The success of this depends on reliable testing to ensure the authenticity of the organic products. Therefore, all food testing laboratories need to optimize their facilities and procedures to handle organic testing efficiently and accurately. FSSAI has directed notified laboratories under sections 43(1) and 43(2) of the FSS Act 2006 for Organic testing to review their current capabilities and take the necessary steps to enhance the infrastructure and scope of the testing for organic products. All the testing facilities to make an application to APEDA for recognition of the laboratory for testing organic products. FSSAI has also asked them to apply to the National Referral Laboratory of APEDA for participation in proficiency testing as a pre-requisite to qualify for pre-export testing of organic products. Source: foodtechbiz.com
27 Jun, 2023 South Africa's reliance on rice imports. South Africa relies heavily on imports for its rice requirements. Estimates indicate that South Africa imports 90% of its rice requirements. This exposes consumers to high prices in the event of global supply shocks, exchange rate fluctuations and outright export bans from major rice-producing countries as witnessed in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In recent months there has been an increase in global rice prices influenced by limited global rice supplies. This coupled with the weak rand is likely to result in higher rice prices for the South African consumer. Figure 1 below, shows the evolution of domestic rice prices between January 2008 to April 2023. As shown in Figure 1 below, domestic rice prices were fairly constant until 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prices have ever since moderated but still remain higher than the pre-pandemic levels. The rice price per kilogramme (kg) was R27.47 in April 2023. As shown in Figure 2 below, the rice price per kg in April 2023 was 1.2%, 5.6% and 13.7% higher compared to a month ago, six months ago and a year ago, respectively. According to data from TradeMap ITC, South Africa imported approximately 1.1 million tonnes of rice to the value of R7.8 billion in 2022. Figure 2 below, shows the trends in South Africa’s rice imports by volume and by value from 2003 to 2022. During this period, South Africa’s rice imports by volume increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 1.3% compared to a CAGR of 10.3% by value. Figure 4 below, shows that South Africa’s leading sources of rice imports in 2022 were Thailand (76.5%), India (19.1%), Pakistan (1.8%), Viet Nam, (0.8%) and China (0.5%), amongst others. Rice is a summer crop mostly grown in paddy conditions. Small quantities of rice are currently grown in South Africa. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rice Explorer shows that rice production in South Africa is mostly in KwaZulu-Natal (43%), the Free State (34%) and Limpopo (19%). The long-held view has been that rice is a water-intensive crop and it cannot be grown commercially because of water scarcity in South Africa. However, there is scientific evidence that suggests that there are dryland rice varieties that give good yields that can be grown commercially in South Africa. Here lies the potential for upscaling the existing and new rice farmers through technical support, finance and the development of a domestic rice value chain. This has the potential to create employment along the rice value chain from the farm to the retail. Importantly, this import substitution strategy is likely to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality. In addition, consumers are likely to be insulated from the fluctuations in global trade policies and consequently the resultant high prices. Source: bizcommunity.com
27 Jun, 2023 Southern states approach Telangana for rice supplies. Telangana, which has emerged as a rice granary over the last few years, is getting enquiries for rice supplies from its southern neighbours - Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The newly-formed Congress government in Karnataka has approached the Telangana government, for supply of over 2 lakh tonnes of rice. It needs rice for the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme promised in the recent Assembly elections. Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy told a select group of reporters at a farmer producer organisations conclave that Karnataka’s has approached the state and 'it is under Government consideration'. A State government source pegged Karnataka’s monthly requirement for the scheme at two lakh tonnes. The Tamil Nadu Government has also approached the Telangana Government, seeking supply of three lakh tonnes. It has said it is willing to partly take parboiled rice from the state. Surge in paddy output Paddy production in the State increased by four times to 26 million tonnes (16 mt) in 2022-23, from 6.8 mt (40 mt of rice) in 2014-15, when the State was carved out of Andhra Pradesh. During the period, the area under paddy has increased four times to 12.1 million acres (4.9 million hectares; aggregate of the kharif and rabi seasons) from 1.4 million hectares. In the just concluded rabi season, the State procured 6.6 mt of paddy from farmers. ‘Buy more parboiled’ Meanwhile, the State continues to face problems with parboiled rice, forcing it to approach the Centre. On Saturday, the Telangana Industries Minister, K. T. Rama Rao, met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, and urged him to procure at least 20 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice from the State. 'We grew paddy on 2.3 million hectares in the rabi season, which is 50 per cent of the country’s paddy area in the season,' he said. He told the Union Minister that the paddy grown in the rabi season is not conducive for milling for delivery of raw rice, within the stipulated broken-rice limit of less than 25 per cent. The Centre earlier made it clear that it will not be able to procure parboiled rice from the State, citing huge carry-over stocks and a cold response from consumers. It, however, assured that it would procure raw rice. Telangana said the State would have to face a heavy financial burden if the Centre insists on lifting only raw rice. 'You have agreed to procure 10 lakh tonnes of parboiled rice (which is about 15 lakh tonnes of paddy). This would leave us with 51 lakh tonnes of paddy (or 34 lakh tonnes of rice) to be milled for producing raw rice (which will be delivered to the Food Corporation of India),' Rao said. Financial implications Pegging the cost of delivery of one lakh tonnes of raw rice at Rs.42 crore, he said it would cost Rs.1,441 crore to deliver the remaining 34 lakh tonnes of raw rice. Source: thehindubusinessline.com
27 Jun, 2023 Demand for nutraceutical products drives growth in Indian market, projected to reach $18 bn by 2025. A workshop on natural biopolymers has observed that the demand for nutraceutical products has increased in recent years resulting in a remarkable sector growth with a CAGR of 20 per cent over the past three years. This trend is driven by increasing health awareness among the public and a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare. Projections indicate that the nutraceutical market in India will expand from an estimated $4 billion to an impressive $18 billion by the end of 2025, according to experts. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute organised the workshop under the Scientific Social Responsibility policy. Experts also viewed the increasing demand for nutraceutical products as an indication of the need to utilise untapped natural resources. CMFRI Director A Gopalakrishnan stressed the urgent need to explore marine organisms to unearth novel bioactive compounds capable of addressing unmet medical needs and propelling the frontiers of healthcare. Medicinal uses CMFRI’s nutraceutical products from the seaweeds to treat various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, hypertension, thyroid, etc. have received an overwhelming response from the public. He said that the institute will continue to explore the medicinal prospects of such marine organisms, adding that efforts are required to tap the immense potential of natural resources like marine organisms for the development of innovative pharmaceutical products. The workshop aimed to share the latest information and technologies related to the isolation, characterisation and development of natural biopolymers with pharmaceutical applications, said Kajal Chakraborty, Principal Scientist and workshop coordinator. The development of value-added products from marine organisms such as seaweeds will provide health benefits to consumers and create opportunities for the downstream value chain. Natural biopolymers such as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids hold great promise in the field of medicine, he added. Source: thehindubusinessline.com
27 Jun, 2023 Govt announces grant of GI tag for Goan Cashew . Acting on the long pending demand of cashew producers for protecting the Goan cashew and its unique identity, the State government on Friday announced grant of Geographical Indication (GI) tag for ‘Goan Cashew’ (nuts and apple). The Director of Industries, Trade and Commerce Swetika Sachan informed about the imminent granting of a GI tag for ‘Goan Cashew’. She said that the prestigious recognition, made possible through the completion of necessary formalities, will officially brand the renowned local product. Sachan further said that the GI tag is expected to significantly enhance the reputation and marketability of Goan cashews, providing a tremendous boost to the cashew industry as a whole. The Director of Industries was speaking during the One District One Product (ODOP) Sampark programme in Panjim. 'In line with the shared objective of highlighting Goa's diverse range of handicrafts, art, and cultural heritage, the State government, in collaboration with Invest India, is embarking on a pioneering project —the establishment of a ‘Unity Mall’,' Sachan said. This 'dynamic retail space' will serve as a comprehensive destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of Goa, she added. The ‘Unity Mall’ will not only feature 'One District One Product' offerings but also showcase an extensive range of local handicrafts and provide exhibition spaces for state emporiums. 'To further expand the scope of local product identification, the Government of Goa, in partnership with Invest India, is considering the implementation of the 'One Taluka One Product' scheme. This initiative aims to identify and promote specific agricultural produce and handicrafts from each Taluka in the State,' she said. 'By diversifying the range of products associated with each taluka, the government seeks to unlock the untapped potential of local industries and foster sustainable economic growth across the region,' the senior official informed. Source: heraldgoa.in
27 Jun, 2023 India, Egypt to push trade to $12 billion in next five years. India and Egypt plan to push bilateral trade to $12 billion within the next five years. This was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the India unit of the Egyptian Cabinet led by its Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo on Saturday, officials said. The volume of trade between the two countries amounts to around $7 billion currently. Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) in Egypt is around $4 billion. In the past six months alone, Indian companies have invested around $170 million in the African Arab country. Egypt is hoping that India increases its presence in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. During Saturday's meeting, Modi had mentioned that India is an important source of foreign investments to Egypt, and that the two countries have been increasing cooperation in the field of renewable energy, which reflects their joint commitment to protect environment. Egypt is an important partner to India, Modi had stressed, affirming that cooperation between the two countries have increased despite Covid and global tensions. In the meeting, Madbouli said Egypt looks forward to consolidating the strategic relations with India with regard to exchanging strategic goods, especially with regard to making India into one of the main sources of wheat exports to Egypt. Modi returned to India in the early hours of Monday. India's top exported items to Egypt during April-December 2022 were meat (13.5%), ferro-alloys (5.2%), rice (2.6%) and flat rolled products of iron (2.2%). India's top imported items from Egypt during the same period were petroleum oil (39%), petroleum gas (19.3 %), chemical fertilizers (12.1%), ammonia (6.6%) and phosphoric acid (4.7%), according to a factsheet of the Indian Embassy in Cairo. Over 450 Indian companies are registered in Egypt, of which around 50 are active in various sectors. Major Indian investments in Egypt include TCI Sanmar (with a value of $1.5 billion), Alexandria Carbon Black, Kirloskar, Dabur India, Flex P Films, SCIB Paints, Godrej, Mahindra, and Monginis. Indian companies are present in a range of sectors including apparel, agriculture, chemicals, energy, automobiles, and retail. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
26 Jun, 2023 India-UAE sign pact for AEOs for faster customs clearances. India and UAE on Friday signed Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for authorised economic operators (AEOs) of both countries, the CBIC said. The AEO programme enables Customs administration to identify safe and compliant exporters and importers and to provide them better facilitation. Under MRA, Customs authorities recognise AEOs of both countries, which in turn helps expedite customs clearances. 'In pursuance of greater trade facilitation & ease of doing business, India & UAE signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorised Economic Operators of both countries today, on sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of WCO Customs Co-operation Council meeting, in Brussels,' the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) tweeted. Earlier in September 2021, India and the US had signed a MRA AEO. The Customs authorities of both countries have already evaluated each other's AEO programme and is working to quickly implement the reciprocal arrangement for authorised economic operators. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
26 Jun, 2023 Government directs FCI to conduct e-auctions of wheat and rice to check inflationary trends in retail prices. Chairman and Managing Director, Food Corporation of India, Shri Ashok K. K. Meena said that the Government has now directed the FCI to conduct the e-auctions of wheat and rice to check the inflationary trends in prevailing retail prices as a part of market intervention to control the price of wheat and rice. Shri Meena said this while addressing the media today in New Delhi. The base price of wheat has been been kept at the same level at Rs. 2150/qtl for FAQ and Rs. 2125/qtl for URS wheat. In order to control the hoarding of wheat, the Government has decided that the declaration in the Wheat Stock Monitoring System portal is mandatory for participation in the auctions. In addition to this, in order to identify the genuine processors and traders, the valid FSSAI License has also been made mandatory for participation. The maximum quantity that a buyer can bid for is limited to 100 MTs in this e-auction. To accommodate the small wheat processors and traders, the minimum quantity has been kept to 10 MTs. Further, to accommodate the small and marginal traders and processors of wheat, the EMD for participation in the e-auctions has also been reduced by 50% from the earlier levels. The bidding is also limited to the local buyers by ensuring that the GST registration of the State is mapped and checked before stocks are released. These measures are taken to ensure a wider local reach for the stocks offered in a particular State. 4 LMT of wheat is being offered in the 1st e-auction from 457 depots across the country. 271 fresh empanelment of buyers were done after 01.04.2023. There are 2093 active empanelled bidders as on date. The e-auction for rice under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) would commence from 5th July, 2023. The base price of Rice is Rs 3100/qtl. 6 weekly e-auctions of wheat were conducted by FCI till 15.03.2023. Total quantity of 33.7 LMT wheat was offloaded and the prices of Wheat came down by 19% due to this massive intervention in a span of 45 days. Due to the Rabi Procurement period of Wheat, the market intervention was suspended. Source: pib.gov.in
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