Trade policy rethink: GTRI calls for tariff overhaul; simpler customs to cut costs and lift exports

India needs a comprehensive overhaul of its import tariff structure and customs administration to reduce trade costs, improve manufacturing competitiveness and revive export growth, think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said on Saturday, PTI reported. In a report titled A Blueprint for Modernizing India’s Import Tariffs and Customs Regime, GTRI recommended a gradual move…

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US-China trade: China pares US Treasury exposure to 17-year low; steps up gold accumulation

China has pushed its holdings of US government debt down to their lowest level in nearly two decades, underscoring a steady recalibration of its foreign exchange reserves away from dollar assets and towards gold and overseas investments amid strained ties with Washington, PTI reported.Data released by the US Department of the Treasury shows that China’s…

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Merchandise exports: CRISIL sees stronger headwinds; US trade risks keep outlook cautious

India’s merchandise exports are likely to face intensifying pressure in the coming months as uncertainty over the proposed US-India trade deal persists and concerns grow over possible additional US levies linked to India’s crude oil purchases from Russia, ratings firm CRISIL said.In its latest assessment, CRISIL warned that near-term stress could emerge in select agri-export…

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Trade realignment: Donald Trump tariffs push allies to hedge bets; China steps into gaps left by US

US President Donald Trump’s aggressive and unpredictable tariff strategy is beginning to redraw global trade alignments, with long-standing US partners actively seeking alternatives — and China emerging as a key beneficiary.Canada delivered the clearest signal yet of this shift on Friday, cutting its 100% import tax on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for sharply lower…

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Big relief for EPFO members! Subscribers can now withdraw PF via UPI; rollout expected by April

Representative image (AI-generated) Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers will soon be able to withdraw their provident fund savings directly into their bank accounts using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The system is expected to be operational by April 2026. The move is aimed at simplifying access to funds and reducing delays in withdrawals for…

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‘India makes more coaches than US, Europe’: PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat sleeper; calls it self-reliance push

PM Modi flagged-off Vande Bharat sleeper train (PTI image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is now manufacturing more railway coaches than the United States and Europe, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance. He made the remarks while flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal.Addressing a public gathering…

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US tariffs hit exports: Gems and jewellery shipments fall 4.98% in December; silver surges 248%

India’s overall gems and jewellery exports witnessed a 4.98 per cent year-on decline to $1,883.85 million (Rs 16,978.44 crore) in December 2025, as geopolitical uncertainties hit key markets, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said on Friday.The total gem and jewellery exports stood at $1,982.62 million (Rs 16,843.87 crore) in December 2024, GJEPC…

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