Kochi to host 9th edition of International Spice Conference from Feb 23-26.
The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) will host the 9th edition of the International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) from February 23 to 26, 2026 in Kochi. The 4-day conference with the theme -- 'Spice 360 – Getting Future Ready'-- will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators from across the world to deliberate on the future of the global spice industry.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Brazilian soybeans output may reach 177 million tonnes: Report.
Brazilian soybean acreage is expected to record a 2 per cent increase for the 2025-26 cycle, according to ‘Brazil agribusiness outlook 2026’ by RaboResearch. If current yield trends persist, production is projected to reach a new record of 177 million tonnes (mt). Planting conditions and operational progress remain above the five-year average, reinforcing positive expectations for the upcoming crop, it said.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
World Bank raises FY26 India growth estimate to 7.2%.
The World Bank on Tuesday raised India’s growth forecast for FY26 to 7.2%, up from 6.3% projected in June 2025, citing strong domestic demand, including strong private consumption. The improvement is supported by tax reforms and rising real household incomes in rural areas, it said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
FDI inflows surge $51 billion in 6 months as govt pushes manufacturing, startup collaboration: DPIIT Secy.
India has received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 51 billion in the last six months, reflecting sustained global confidence in the country's growth story, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said on Wednesday. While speaking with media persons, he said, 'As part of its startup push, DPIIT will organise National Startup Day on January 16, during which 75 Grand Challenges will be launched to foster innovation and problem-solving across sectors.'
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Iran unrest delays India's Rs. 2,000 cr basmati rice export dues; exporters eye new markets.
India's basmati rice exports are facing a setback as about Rs.2,000 crore of payments are stuck, after protests in Iran brought trade to a halt with the second largest buyer of the premium grain. Iran imported about 598,000 tonnes of Indian basmati between April and November, according to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF).
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
US tariff on Iran partners to have minimal impact on India: Govt sources.
India's trade and economic engagement with Iran remains limited and is unlikely to be significantly impacted by recent tariff measures announced by the US, government sources said on Tuesday after President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on Iran's trading partners. For India, Iran does not even figure in the top 50 global trading partners. Last year, India's trade with Iran was USD 1.6 billion, approximately 0.15 per cent of India's total trade, government sources said.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India's December vegetable oil imports rise 8 pc: SEA data.
India's vegetable oil imports rose eight per cent to 13.83 lakh tonnes in December 2025, the second month of the 2025-26 oil year, from the year-ago period, on a sharp rise in soyabean oil and sunflower oil shipments, industry body SEA said on Tuesday. The world's biggest vegetable oil importer had bought 12.75 lakh tonnes, including edible and non-edible oils, in December 2024.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India dismisses claims of suspending trade with Afghanistan.
New Delhi, The government on Tuesday dismissed claims by some Pakistani social media accounts that India has suspended trade operations with Afghanistan due to unrest in Iran, saying the reports were completely false. It said that a fabricated letter is being circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts on the matter.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Soymeal producers see improving demand for meal from poultry sector.
Soymeal processors are witnessing an improvement in demand from poultry feed makers, even as concerns remain over the rising use of cheaper Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a by-product of grain-based ethanol. Soymeal offtake from the feed sector is improving as the poultry sector is doing well. However, concerns over the increasing use of DDGS remain,' said DN Pathak, Executive Director, SOPA.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Indian peanut shipments entering Indonesia illegally, says trade.
Though Indonesia has curtailed imports of groundnuts (peanuts) from India, the curbs are being overcome by illegal shipments via Port Klang in Malaysia. Global trade sources said that at least 90 per cent of groundnuts imported into Indonesia were done illegally after Jakarta lifted the suspension on Indian groundnut imports late in November. Indonesia suspended Indian groundnut exports in September after it found the level of aflatoxin in consignments higher than permitted level.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com