Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada is on an official two-day visit to Morocco from August 24 to 25, with India–Morocco trade, investment, market access and industrial cooperation at the centre of discussions.

Prasada is scheduled to co-chair the 7th Session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission with Morocco's Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira. The meeting is aimed at reviewing bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new opportunities to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

Trade and Market Access in Focus

The Joint Commission discussions cover a broad range of areas, including trade and market access, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy and mining.

Cooperation in fertiliser production and supply is also an important part of the agenda. Morocco is a significant source of phosphates and fertilisers for India, while India exports a range of products to the Moroccan market.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral merchandise trade reached around $4 billion in 2025. India's major exports to Morocco include refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products and spices.

India, Morocco to Deepen Food Safety Cooperation

The two countries are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food safety between Morocco's National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The proposed cooperation will facilitate the exchange of information concerning the safety and quality of imported food products. It will also encourage exchanges involving food-testing laboratories, analytical methods and technical expertise.

The MoU is expected to cover technical areas including import procedures, quality-control operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.

Business Community Engagement

As part of the visit, Prasada is scheduled to participate in the India–Morocco Joint Business Forum and interact with business leaders in Rabat.

The discussions are expected to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, partnerships and joint ventures. The Minister will also hold bilateral and high-level meetings with senior Moroccan leaders.

The engagement comes as both countries look to expand economic cooperation into emerging sectors while strengthening existing commercial links.

Cultural Exchange Programme

Alongside economic cooperation, India and Morocco are expected to sign a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030.

The programme will promote exchanges between artists and professionals, participation in festivals and exhibitions, heritage conservation and cooperation between museums, libraries and archival institutions.

The initiative assumes additional significance as India and Morocco prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Focus on Long-Term Economic Partnership

The visit comes amid efforts by India and Morocco to broaden their bilateral economic relationship. While fertilisers remain an important component of trade, both sides are exploring opportunities across renewable energy, digital transformation, transport and logistics, tourism, education, healthcare and other sectors.

The 7th Joint Commission is expected to provide a platform for reviewing existing cooperation and identifying areas where businesses from both countries can develop stronger partnerships.

With trade already around $4 billion and preparations underway for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Prasada's visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India–Morocco trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

The Central government has said it is holding regular consultations with farmers, agricultural exporters, industry representatives, and state governments to assess the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States and to safeguard India's trade interests.

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said the government is closely monitoring recent developments while continuing negotiations with the US on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

Government Consulting Key Stakeholders

In a written reply to Parliament, Prasada stated that the Centre remains in continuous dialogue with stakeholders affected by US import tariffs.

According to the minister, consultations are being held with:

• Farmers and farmer organisations
• Agricultural exporters
• Industry associations
• Export promotion councils
• Concerned ministries and departments
• State governments

He said inputs received from these groups are being considered to ensure India's commercial and agricultural interests are protected during trade negotiations.

India-US Trade Talks Continue

The minister informed Parliament that discussions on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement remain active.

Negotiations began after the meeting between Indian and US leaders in February 2025, when both countries announced the "Mission 500" initiative, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Since then, both sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations.

Key meetings have taken place in:

• Washington, DC (April 20–22, 2026)
• New Delhi (June 1–4, 2026)
• New Delhi during the visit of the US Trade Representative (June 22–24, 2026)

Prasada said the government continues to engage with US officials to move the negotiations forward.

Interim Trade Framework Already Announced

The two countries announced a framework for an interim trade arrangement on February 2, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties.

The minister noted that the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement is expected to deepen cooperation across several sectors while addressing market access concerns for both countries.

US Tariff Developments

Prasada also referred to recent developments in US trade policy.

He noted that a US Supreme Court judgment dated February 20, 2026, invalidated the reciprocal tariffs that had previously been imposed, meaning those measures are no longer in effect.

However, the US administration has continued to impose tariffs under separate legal provisions.

According to the government, the United States has issued Executive Orders imposing 10% tariffs on certain imported products under Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

Separately, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced an additional 10% tariff on certain imports from India following an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The US administration said the action was part of a broader initiative targeting products allegedly linked to forced labour concerns.

Government Monitoring Impact

The Centre said it is carefully studying the implications of these measures on Indian exports and domestic industries.

Officials indicated that protecting farmers, exporters, and businesses remains a priority while negotiations with Washington continue.

The government reiterated that it will continue engaging with stakeholders and pursue a balanced trade agreement that safeguards India's economic interests while expanding bilateral trade with the United States.

The long-awaited India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has officially come into force, paving the way for lower tariffs, expanded market access and stronger economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreement is expected to make a wide range of British products—including premium whisky, automobiles, cosmetics, apparel and footwear—more affordable for Indian consumers while significantly boosting exports from India to the UK.

The landmark trade pact marks one of India's most comprehensive bilateral trade agreements and is projected to double bilateral trade to nearly $120 billion by 2030, according to government estimates.

Lower Tariffs on British Products

With the implementation of the agreement, import duties on several products from the United Kingdom will be reduced in phases, resulting in lower prices for Indian buyers.

British-made premium whisky, luxury cars, beauty and personal care products, fashion apparel and footwear are among the products expected to become more competitively priced in the Indian market.

For Indian consumers, the agreement is likely to expand product choices while increasing competition across several premium consumer segments.

Major Export Opportunity for India

The agreement also provides a significant advantage for Indian exporters. Around 99% of Indian goods exported to the UK will now enjoy zero-duty market access, making Indian products more competitive.

Sectors expected to benefit include textiles and garments, leather products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, marine exports and processed food.

Industry experts believe improved market access will strengthen India's manufacturing sector, increase export volumes and create new employment opportunities across export-oriented industries.

Three Years of Negotiations

The trade agreement follows nearly three years of negotiations involving 14 rounds of discussions between the two countries.

The pact was formally signed on July 24, 2025, by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The agreement covers trade in goods and services, investment, digital commerce, government procurement, intellectual property rights and regulatory cooperation, making it one of the broadest bilateral economic partnerships signed by India in recent years.

Strengthening Strategic Economic Partnership

Officials from both countries have described the agreement as a milestone that will deepen economic ties beyond traditional merchandise trade.

Apart from increasing exports and imports, the FTA is expected to encourage greater investment flows, strengthen supply chains, facilitate business mobility and enhance cooperation in emerging sectors such as clean technology, innovation and digital services.

Businesses on both sides are expected to benefit from simplified trade procedures, greater regulatory certainty and improved access to each other's markets.

Positive Outlook for Businesses and Consumers

Trade analysts say the agreement arrives at a time when both India and the UK are seeking to diversify global supply chains and reduce trade barriers.

For Indian exporters, zero-duty access to the UK market offers an opportunity to expand market share in one of Europe's largest economies. Meanwhile, Indian consumers are likely to benefit from gradually falling prices on selected imported British products as tariff reductions take effect.

The implementation of the agreement is expected to accelerate bilateral trade, strengthen commercial partnerships and contribute to long-term economic growth in both countries.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement Comes Into Effect Today: Whisky, Luxury Cars, Fashion to Get Cheaper; Indian Exports Receive Zero-Tariff Access

India and the United Kingdom's landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially came into force on Wednesday, marking one of India's most significant bilateral trade deals in recent years. The agreement is expected to reduce prices of several imported British products in India while providing Indian exporters duty-free access to almost the entire UK market.

Under the agreement, 99% of Indian goods will now enter the UK without import duties, while India will gradually reduce tariffs on 99% of British products, bringing the average import tariff down from around 15% to nearly 3%. Policymakers from both countries believe the pact could help double bilateral trade to nearly USD 120 billion by 2030.

The agreement was signed on July 24, 2025, after nearly three-and-a-half years of negotiations involving 14 formal rounds. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds signed the pact in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

British Products to Become More Affordable

Consumers are expected to see a phased reduction in prices of several premium British products.

Import duty on Scotch whisky and gin has been reduced from 150% to 75%, with a further reduction to 40% planned over the next decade. Industry estimates suggest premium Scotch whisky could become substantially more affordable as tariff reductions are implemented.

Luxury automobiles from brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce will also benefit from sharply reduced duties under a quota-based system, potentially lowering retail prices by 20–30%.

The agreement also cuts tariffs on products including salmon, lamb, chocolates, biscuits, soft drinks, cosmetics, medical devices, aerospace components, branded clothing, furniture and selected electronics, making many imported British goods more competitively priced in India over time.

Export-Oriented Industries Set to Gain

The FTA is expected to provide a major boost to India's export-driven sectors.

Indian textiles and apparel, which previously attracted import duties of 8–12% in the UK, will now enjoy duty-free access, improving competitiveness against exporters from Bangladesh and Vietnam. Manufacturing hubs such as Tiruppur, Surat and Ludhiana are expected to benefit from increased export demand.

The agreement also removes tariffs on Indian jewellery, leather goods, engineering products, machinery, auto components, marine products, tea, spices, basmati rice, chemicals and speciality materials, creating fresh opportunities for exporters.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to benefit from simplified registration procedures for generic medicines, allowing faster entry into the UK's healthcare market.

MSMEs and Green Investment

Officials believe the agreement will strengthen India's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which contribute nearly 40% of the country's exports. Easier market access is expected to improve margins and expand business opportunities for smaller exporters.

The agreement also encourages greater British investment in information technology, financial services, renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles and clean technology, supporting India's manufacturing ambitions and energy transition goals.

Sensitive Sectors Protected

While the agreement significantly liberalises trade, India has kept several sensitive sectors outside the tariff reduction framework.

Products including dairy items, apples, cheese, oats, selected edible oils, along with certain industrial products such as specific plastics, diamonds, silver, smartphones, optical fibre products and telecom equipment, remain protected under the agreement.

Strategic Trade Partnership

Trade experts describe the India-UK agreement as part of New Delhi's broader strategy to strengthen economic partnerships with major global economies. Following agreements with Australia, the UAE and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), India is now actively pursuing comprehensive trade deals with the European Union and the United States.

Government officials expect the agreement to increase exports, attract investment, strengthen supply chains and create employment across manufacturing and labour-intensive industries over the coming decade.

India and the United Kingdom have officially implemented their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) from Wednesday, marking a major milestone in economic relations between the two countries. The agreement is expected to significantly reduce tariffs on thousands of products, making several imported British goods cheaper in India while opening wider market access for Indian exporters.

The trade pact, signed on July 24, 2025, after nearly three years of negotiations spanning 14 formal rounds, is expected to double bilateral trade to nearly USD 120 billion by 2030. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had signed the agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Lower Tariffs to Benefit Consumers

One of the most immediate impacts of the agreement will be seen in consumer prices. The average tariff on imports from the UK will decline from around 15% to 3%, while 99% of Indian exports will enjoy zero-duty access to the British market.

Among the biggest beneficiaries are premium British products such as Scotch whisky, luxury cars, branded clothing, cosmetics, chocolates, medical equipment and specialty consumer goods.

Import duty on Scotch whisky and gin will reduce from 150% to 75% immediately, with a phased reduction to 40% over the next decade. Industry estimates suggest that premium whisky could become substantially more affordable for Indian consumers.

Similarly, import duties on luxury British automobiles, including brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, will fall sharply under a quota-based system, potentially lowering retail prices by 20–30%.

Major Push for Indian Exports

The agreement is expected to provide a strong boost to India's export-oriented industries.

Indian textile manufacturers will gain duty-free access to the UK market, improving their competitiveness against countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Export hubs including Tiruppur, Surat and Ludhiana are expected to benefit significantly over the coming years.

The jewellery, leather goods, engineering products, auto components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tea, spices, seafood and agricultural sectors are also expected to witness higher exports due to the removal of import duties in the UK.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are likely to benefit from simplified regulatory procedures for generic medicines, enabling faster entry into Britain's National Health Service (NHS) procurement system.

MSMEs and Manufacturing to Gain

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for India's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for nearly 40% of the country's exports. Easier market access and lower trade barriers are expected to improve profitability and expand export volumes.

Officials also expect increased British investments in sectors such as financial services, information technology, clean energy, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing.

The agreement includes provisions aimed at strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicle infrastructure and critical mineral supply chains.

UK Welcomes the Agreement

Ahead of the agreement's implementation, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron described the development as a "historic moment" for bilateral relations.

In a post on social media platform X, she said the agreement would usher in "a new era of growth" for both economies and strengthen the modern UK-India partnership.

Long Negotiation Process

Negotiations for the India-UK FTA began on January 13, 2022, and concluded after more than three years of discussions. The pact becomes one of India's most significant bilateral trade agreements in recent years, following similar deals with the UAE, Australia, Mauritius and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

India is also continuing negotiations on comprehensive trade agreements with the European Union.

Economists believe the agreement will not only increase trade volumes but also deepen investment, strengthen supply chains and generate employment across manufacturing and export-intensive sectors.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday embarked on a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland as India intensifies efforts to strengthen economic ties with the European Union (EU) and accelerate negotiations on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The visit, scheduled from July 13 to July 17, brings together a high-level Indian business delegation and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology, innovation and sustainable development.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the tour is aimed at reinforcing India's long-term strategic partnership with Europe while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.

FTA Negotiations in Focus

A key objective of the visit is to advance discussions on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hope will simplify market access, strengthen supply chains and promote sustainable economic growth.

The government believes the agreement will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade by reducing barriers, improving investment flows and supporting a rules-based global trading system.

Officials also expect the ongoing negotiations to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies, manufacturing, innovation and economic security.

Spain Visit to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

During his visit to Spain, Goyal is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with senior members of the Spanish government, including Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business; Jordi Hereu Boher, Minister of Industry and Tourism; and José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.

The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral trade, attracting investments and promoting industrial collaboration between India and Spain.

Goyal will also chair the India-Spain Business Roundtable, where leading Spanish companies and industry organisations will explore investment opportunities in India and discuss avenues for strengthening commercial partnerships.

In addition, he will participate in a business interaction organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, CEOE and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.

Belgium to Host Trade and Technology Talks

In Belgium, the Commerce Minister will visit the Port of Antwerp and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, reflecting the importance of logistics, shipping and the gems and jewellery sector in bilateral trade.

He is also scheduled to hold CEO-level meetings with executives from Thales Group and Silox Group to discuss cooperation in defence, advanced technology, manufacturing and investment.

A major highlight of the Belgium visit will be Goyal's participation in the third ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels.

The council serves as the highest institutional platform for cooperation between India and the European Union on trade, trusted technology, digital transformation and economic security. The meeting is expected to review progress on existing initiatives while identifying new opportunities for strategic collaboration.

Finland Focuses on Innovation

The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland, where he is scheduled to meet Dr. Sakari Puisto, Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs.

The minister will also interact with representatives of leading Finnish companies during the India-Finland Business Roundtable, with discussions expected to centre on innovation, technology partnerships, industrial development and investment opportunities.

Finland is regarded as an important partner for India in sectors such as clean technologies, digital innovation, sustainable manufacturing and research collaboration.

Strengthening India's Global Economic Partnerships

The Ministry of Commerce said the three-nation visit reflects India's broader strategy of deepening engagement with Europe at a time when both sides are seeking resilient supply chains, diversified investment destinations and stronger technology partnerships.

Officials believe the visit will not only help accelerate negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement but also reinforce India's position as a trusted global partner in manufacturing, innovation, clean energy and sustainable economic development.

The outcomes of the visit are expected to contribute to stronger business partnerships, increased investments and closer strategic cooperation between India and Europe across multiple high-growth sectors.

The minister said greater collaboration between the government and technology companies would be essential to accelerate innovation-led and technology-driven economic growth. His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from Google, where discussions focused on expanding the use of AI and digital solutions across different sectors of the economy.

The Google delegation was led by Vidya Srinivasan, Vice President (Ads and Commerce), and Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager of Google India. The meeting explored opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness and market access for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises.

According to Goyal, AI-powered tools have the potential to help smaller businesses overcome operational challenges and participate more effectively in the digital economy. As India continues its push towards digital transformation, policymakers are increasingly viewing technology adoption as a key driver of growth for enterprises that form the backbone of the country's economy.

MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, exports and manufacturing output. Industry experts have often pointed out that wider adoption of digital tools can help these enterprises improve efficiency, access new customers and compete in both domestic and international markets.

During the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on enabling startups, exporters and small businesses to take advantage of AI-driven solutions. The participants also examined ways to encourage innovation, improve digital capabilities and create an environment where businesses can adopt advanced technologies more easily.

Goyal said the meeting covered several important areas, including faster adoption of AI, strengthening digital skilling initiatives, expanding market access and promoting technology-led innovation. He later shared details of the interaction on social media platform X, stating that stronger cooperation between the government and technology companies could help build a robust digital ecosystem for Indian enterprises.

The focus on AI comes at a time when countries around the world are investing heavily in emerging technologies to boost productivity and economic competitiveness. India has also been working to expand its digital infrastructure and encourage businesses to integrate technology into their operations.

Earlier in the day, Goyal also spoke about the impact of India's recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying they are helping accelerate manufacturing growth and innovation across sectors. According to the minister, these agreements are creating new opportunities for Indian businesses while enabling young professionals to compete more effectively in global markets.

His comments reflect the government's broader strategy of combining trade expansion with technological advancement to strengthen India's position in the global economy.

Separately, while virtually addressing the launch of the online bilingual Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur, Goyal urged students to focus on practical skills and technology-oriented learning.

He encouraged young learners to embrace emerging technologies and develop industry-relevant capabilities that can help them succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The minister noted that technology-driven education and continuous skill development would be critical for preparing India's workforce for future economic opportunities.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of digital adoption, innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars of India's growth strategy. With AI increasingly influencing sectors ranging from commerce and manufacturing to education and services, policymakers are seeking greater collaboration between industry, academia and technology companies to ensure that businesses and workers can benefit from the next wave of digital transformation.

Govt restricts silver imports, makes licence mandatory for key categories

Silver import rules tightened to curb non-essential imports; primary keyword “silver imports” used here

New Delhi, late morning — The central government on Saturday tightened rules around silver imports, moving key categories from a freely importable list to the “restricted” category and making an import licence mandatory, according to an official notification seen by this newspaper.

What changed
The notification says 99.9% pure silver bars, unwrought (raw) silver, silver powder and silver coated with gold or platinum will now require prior government approval for import. Customs will not clear consignments in these categories without the requisite licence, officials said.

Why the step was taken
Officials described the move as aimed at reducing non-essential imports and checking the outflow of foreign exchange. “Rising imports of precious metals have been widening the trade deficit and putting pressure on the rupee,” a government source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. The change follows an earlier increase in import duty: on May 13 the government raised import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15%.

Timing and context
The DGFT notification comes amid a sharp year‑to‑date rise in bullion prices and record gold imports in 2025–26. India’s gold import bill climbed over 24% to about $72 billion last fiscal year, putting added focus on curbing precious‑metal imports. Silver prices have also jumped — from roughly ₹2.30 lakh per kg on 31 December 2025 to about ₹2.69 lakh per kg this month, industry data show.

Trade and routing concerns
Think tanks and officials cited concerns that low‑duty silver could be routed through third countries, notably the UAE, under trade pacts such as the India‑UAE CEPA. “There was a risk of a surge in cheap silver imports routed via Dubai to exploit preferential tariffs,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI). The restricted status is intended to plug such channels, the government said.

Rules for importers
Under the new process importers must obtain a licence from the commerce ministry or designated authority before consignments are cleared by customs. Some categories may also be placed under Reserve Bank of India monitoring, which would add compliance for banks and traders dealing in overseas payments for bullion.

Changes to Advance Authorisation
Separately, DGFT has tightened the Advance Authorisation scheme that allows duty‑free imports for exporters. Exporters will be allowed to import a maximum of 100 kg of gold per licence, and first‑time applicants must undergo physical verification of their manufacturing units before licences are issued. Repeat authorisations will be contingent on meeting at least 50% of past export obligations, the notification said. Firms must now file transaction reports every 15 days, certified by a chartered accountant, with regional DGFT officers compiling monthly reports for headquarters.

Industry reaction
Jewellery and manufacturing bodies expressed concern about the suddenness of the move. The All India Gems and Jewellery Council warned higher duties and licensing could push trade into the grey market and spur smuggling, hurting legitimate businesses and small jewellers. “Sudden restrictions create near‑term disruption for manufacturers that rely on imported raw silver,” said an industry executive requesting anonymity.

Ground reality and public impact
On the ground in Delhi and Mumbai, dealers reported an uptick in enquiries about import licences and compliance timelines. Small and medium jewellers — many of whom operate on thin margins — said they would face working capital stress if supplies tighten. Consumers are already seeing higher retail prices after bullion runs earlier this year.

What’s next
Officials said implementation details, including licence application procedures and timelines, will be clarified in follow‑up orders. Traders and industry associations expect further consultations with the commerce ministry and customs in the coming days. Markets will be watching how the new rules affect domestic liquidity of silver and the wider jewellery supply chain.

Focus on enforcement and monitoring is likely to increase, officials added, as New Delhi balances trade deficit concerns with the needs of industry.

India Imposes Sugar Export Ban Till Sept 2026

Government tightens grip on sugar outflows to secure domestic stocks and steady prices amid festive demand.

In a swift move to safeguard local supply, the Centre has banned sugar exports effective May 13 until September 30, 2026, or further notice. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the change late Tuesday, shifting raw, white, and refined sugar from 'Restricted' to 'Prohibited' category under DGFT rules. Officials say this will help control prices and ensure availability, especially with festivals looming.

Ban Kicks In Immediately

The notification, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, bars all sugar shipments without special clearance. This comes after India exported 7.75 million tons in FY 2024-25—up sharply from 1 million tons the year before. Earlier years saw even higher volumes: 11 million tons in 2021-22 and 7 million in 2020-21. Sources in the trade ministry noted the decision stems from rising domestic needs.

EU, US Quotas Unaffected

Not all doors are shut. Exports to the European Union and US under CXL and TRQ quotas will continue as per existing schedules. Shipments tied to the Advance Authorisation Scheme also get a pass. "These are locked-in commitments," a senior official told reporters on background, stressing no disruption to key partners.

Relief for Port-Bound Cargo

Traders with sugar already in transit got some breathing room. Vessels where loading began before the notification can sail out. Same for shipments with filed bills of entry or anchored at Indian ports. Consignments handed to customs and logged electronically are exempt for now. This clause aims to avoid chaos at major ports like Mumbai and Kandla, where sugar piles up.

Neighbours' Food Security Clause

The order leaves wiggle room for emergencies. If a neighbouring country faces a sugar crunch threatening food security, New Delhi can approve limited exports case-by-case. No such requests are pending yet, per initial reports, but the provision nods to India's regional role.

Past Exports in Perspective

India's sugar outbound surged post-ethanol blending pushes, but domestic mills flagged shortages last season. FY 2023-24 exports crashed to 1 million tons amid similar curbs. The fresh India sugar export ban reverses that trend, prioritising local mills and consumers. Prices have held steady so far, but traders watch ethanol mandates closely.

Festive Season in Focus

With Diwali and other festivals ahead, the ban targets potential price spikes. Ground reports from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra—top sugar belts—indicate ample stocks, but rains could play spoiler. Millers welcome the step, though some grumble over lost forex. Retail prices hover around ₹40-45 per kg in key markets.

What's Next After September?

The prohibition lasts till September 30, 2026; absent extension, sugar reverts to 'Restricted' status automatically. Government circles hint at reviews based on crop yields and global cues. For now, this India sugar export ban underscores priority on home turf—steady supply over overseas sales.