APEDA alerts exporters to Philippines’ strict entry protocols
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has underscored the continued enforcement of a highly structured and tightly regulated certification framework governing agricultural imports into the Philippines, reinforcing the importance of strict compliance for exporters targeting the market. The Philippine Department of Agriculture mandates that a wide range of agricultural imports—including meat, poultry, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, live animals, animal feed, and animal by-products—be accompanied by validated export certificates issued by competent authorities in the country of origin. These certifications are critical to ensuring compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards designed to safeguard plant and animal health, prevent the entry of pests and diseases, and protect consumer safety.
Source: agrospectrumindia.com
APEDA to set up basmati, organic training centre in Pilibhit.
The transfer of 7 acres of land to the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) at govt agriculture farm in Tanda Bijesi village has cleared the way for a basmati and organic training centre and demonstration farm in the district. The project, estimated around Rs 15 crore, aims to train farmers in premium basmati cultivation, seed production, exports and organic farming. Construction, to be carried out by the Public Works Department, is expected to be completed within a year.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Citrus exports to India surge
South African citrus exports to India continue to show strong growth, rising nearly 85% in 2025 as the industry steps up efforts to expand its footprint in one of Asia’s most promising markets. Southern African Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) chief executive, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, writing his latest weekly newsletter from India, said a business delegation visited New Delhi as part of FruitSA's annual market access mission last week.
Source: freightnews.co.za
SCI may run vessels to West Asia to help exporters
Govt has indicated to exporters that Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) may run container ships to West Asia to help them tide over the problem of high freight costs. Responding to complaints over high input and freight costs, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal is said to have conveyed SCI's plan during a meeting with export promotion councils on Monday evening, an industry representative present in the meeting told TOI.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Chairs Meeting with Export Promotion Councils and Industry to Strengthen Export Ecosystem Post India–New Zealand FTA Signing
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, chaired a meeting with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and industry associations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27th April 2026, to deliberate on strategies for strengthening India's export ecosystem in the context of evolving global trade dynamics. The meeting was held in continuation of the India–New Zealand FTA signing ceremony in Bharat Mandapam and was attended by representatives of 30 EPCs and apex industry chambers, along with senior officials from the Department of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Addressing the gathering, Shri Goyal highlighted that India's total merchandise and services exports reached a record USD 860.09 billion in FY 2025–26, registering a 4.22% year-on-year growth. He noted that sectors such as engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gems & jewellery and agri-based products have sustained export momentum despite global disruptions.
Source: pib.gov.in
Centre for Trade and Investment Law and South Asia International Economic Law Network Organise Virtual Trade Talk on Future of Multilateral Trade Governance and Role of World Trade Organization
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in partnership with the South Asia International Economic Law Network (SAIELN), organised a Virtual Trade Talk on 'The Future of Multilateral Trade Governance and the Role of the WTO' on 27 April 2026. The Trade Talk featured Shri Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour and Prof. Mark Wu, Henry L. Stimson Professor of Law, Harvard Law School, as the Keynote Speaker. The discussion focused on the evolving role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in governing multilateral trade, particularly in light of emerging geopolitical, technological, and economic challenges. The discussion examined the WTO's core functions-monitoring, negotiation and dispute settlement—and assessed their effectiveness in addressing current trade dynamics.
Source: pib.gov.in
Indonesia introduces new quota system for peanut imports
Aimed at encouraging domestic production, the new regulation with tight quality norms is likely to affect Indian exports Indonesia has come up with a quota system for peanut (groundnut) imports that could impact Indian exports as it has tightened quality norms. Jakarta came up with a Ministerial Regulation during the weekend, which permits loading of non-quota peanuts until May 7.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
Kashmir cherry growers pin hopes on rail cargo to cut losses, boost returns
Ganderbal accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the Valleys cherry production, with around 1,200 hectares under cultivation. Basharat Ahmad, a cherry grower from central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, says the planned transport of cherries via parcel trains to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir offers fresh hope for farmers battling heavy losses.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
India-New Zealand FTA duty concessions under to help boost exports of single malt whisky: CIABC
Duty concessions on Indian liquor under the free trade agreement with New Zealand will boost exports of single malt whisky and enhance price competitiveness for other items in the island nation, industry body CIABC said on Tuesday. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) also said that given the current low export base, the agreement is likely to support market entry and brand building, particularly in segments such as whisky, rum and premium Indian spirits.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Visiting Canada next month to speed up FTA negotiations: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said he will visit Canada next month to speed up negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). On March 2, India and Canada launched negotiations for the agreement with an aim to finalise the pact soon.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com