Maharashtra topples Tamil Nadu to become the No.1 export-ready state of India.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as the top five export ready states of India, among the large states category, in the NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024. As per the index, released on Wednesday, Maharashtra toppled Tamil Nadu to become the Number 1 in 2024 ranking which takes into account performance during FY '22-F'Y24 when compared to EPI 2022 whenTamil Nadu stood at Number 1 followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Haryana.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India-China trade: India’s exports to China rise in 2025, deficit climbs to record $116 bn.
India’s shipments to China posted a rare year-on-year increase in 2025, even as the bilateral trade gap ballooned to an all-time high, underlining the persistent imbalance in the two-way economic relationship, PTI reported. Data released by Chinese customs on Wednesday showed that Indian exports to China rose by $5.5 billion during January–December 2025, taking total outbound shipments to $19.75 billion — a 9.7 per cent increase over the previous year. This marks a notable departure from years of stagnation in India’s exports to its largest trading partner.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
India rice exports surge 19% after curbs lifted, pressuring Asian prices.
The rebound placed shipments close to the 2022 record of 22.3 million tonnes and reinforced India’s position as the world’s largest rice exporter. Officials said exports recovered quickly after New Delhi removed curbs that had been imposed between 2022 and 2023 to protect domestic supplies and control food inflation.
Source: millingmea.com
Iran crisis forces India's shippers to look for alternative export markets.
Iran has been a fertile market for Indian basmati rice exporters, showing steady volume growth despite the heightened geopolitical challenges to bilateral trade ties. Over the first nine months of fiscal year 2025-26, India exported close to 600,000 tonnes of basmati grain.
Source: theloadstar.com
ICAR & NDDB forge strategic alliance to strengthen dairy research.
In a major move to deepen research-to-field linkages in India’s dairy sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The partnership aims to leverage the scientific expertise of ICAR with the extensive grassroots experience of NDDB to drive innovation, capacity building and sustainable development across the dairy value chain.
Source: fnbnews.com
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