The rising global demand for premium Basmati rice: Opportunities for Indian exporters.
Basmati rice, known for its long grains, delicate fragrance, and distinctive flavour, is experiencing a surge in global demand, especially in its premium forms. According to industry reports, the Basmati rice market size is estimated to reach $31.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent over the forecast period of 2022-2027. This growth is being fueled by increasing global interest in healthy, high-quality grains and a rising preference for traditional and specialty rice varieties in Western markets. For Indian exporters, this upward trajectory presents a golden opportunity to tap into evolving consumer preferences and reaffirm India’s position as the world’s leading supplier of basmati rice.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
No duty cuts by India on UK wines under FTA; limited concession on British beer.
India is not giving any duty concessions on British wines and is providing only limited import duty benefits on UK beer under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, announced on May 6, an official said. The other sensitive agri products where India will not offer any reduction in the import duty include dairy products, apple, cheese, oats, animals and vegetable oils under the agreement with the United Kingdom.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
First Round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiation Concludes in New Delhi.
In a major step towards expanding bilateral trade and investment engagement, the first round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully today in New Delhi. The negotiations were held from 5-9 May, 2025. This development builds on the shared commitment to deepen economic ties and guidance given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi during the visit of the Right Hon’ble Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand in March 2025. The FTA was launched during the meeting between Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Hon’ble Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Government of New Zealand on March 16, 2025.
Source: pib.gov.in
US of Aam-erica has a new king: US emerges as India’s top export market for mangoes; Kesar tops Alphonso.
The United States of Aam-erica has a new ruler. Kesar, the saffronhued native of Gujarat, has toppled from the throne the long-reign - ing king, the delicate Alphonso, in the US, which has emerged as India’s biggest mango market. Between April 2024 and January 2025, India exported mangoes worth $24.97 million to US, which overtook the United Arab Emirates (at $20.78 mil - lion) for the first time to become the largest destination for Indian man - goes, according to data from the com - merce ministry. The figure includes fresh, dried and pulp mangoes.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India and Chile Sign Terms of Reference for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations.
India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 08 May 2025, marking a significant advancement in their bilateral trade relations. The mutually agreed ToR were duly signed by H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile in India and Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, also the Chief Negotiator for India-Chile CEPA from the Indian side.
Source: pib.gov.in
India exports 4.24 lakh tonnes sugar till April of this year: AISTA.
India exported 4.24 lakh tonnes of sugar till April of the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year with maximum shipments of 92,758 tonnes to Somalia, trade body AISTA said on Monday. The sugar marketing year runs from October to September. Sugar exports for the 2024-25 marketing year in India were allowed on January 20, 2025. The total quantity permitted for export is 10 lakh tonnes.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
India, EU to hold next round of FTA talks from Monday for early conclusion of first part.
India and the European Union (EU) chief negotiators will begin the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) here from Monday, with an aim to conclude the first phase of the pact as early as possible, according to an official. The two sides have agreed to conclude the agreement in two phases on account of the uncertain global trade environment, particularly due to the US tariff actions under President Donald Trump.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
FSSAI proposes stricter rules for dairy analogues to protect consumer transparency.
This move follows media reports alleging that dairy analogues – which include plant-based or synthetic alternatives that mimic dairy products – are being sold as dairy products in India. 'Several media reports have been surfaced wherein it is claimed that products like ‘analogue in dairy context’ are being sold as ‘dairy products’, thus misleading consumers,' said Rakesh Kumar, FSSAI Director of the Regulatory Compliance Division.
Source: foodnavigator-asia.com
GI tag for Mahabubnagar’s Balanagar custard apple sought.
A process to seek Geographical Indication (GI) for the world-famous Balanagar custard apples variety in Mahabubnagar district is on. Towards this, a team of experts visited the fields in Pomal, Kollur, Kesharavalpalli Kothapalli villages of Nawabpeta mandal in Mahabubnagar district where they examined Balanagar custard apples. Later, they examined the Balanagar custard apple varieties growing naturally in the forest areas adjacent to Kothapalli and Kalman Kalva villages in Chaudapur mandal of Vikarabad district and learned about their characteristics. The team also studied the custard apple processing plant being run by the farmers producer company in Pomal village.
Source: telanganatoday.com
India's exports to US hit record high in March amid 90-day tariff pause.
India’s exports to the United States surged to a record $11.2 billion in March, crossing the $10 billion mark for the first time and marking a nearly 50 per cent increase over the 12-month average. The rise pushed total bilateral goods trade to an unprecedented $15 billion for the month, data from the United States Census Bureau showed.
Source: business-standard.com