GoI is seeking to put in place a standardised approach to negotiating FTAs to address rules of origin (ROOs) and non-tariff barriers. It's a good idea. ROOs have assumed importance due to India's pivot away from regional trade blocs in favour of bilaterals. Since the rest of the world doesn't share India's circumspection about trade blocs, it has to erect its own fences in supply chains centred around China.

With the district administration completing land acquisition for the expansion of Trichy International Airport, the Export Import Federation Trichy (EIFT) has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to enhance export facilities as part of the project. 

Soyameal exports during the oil year 2023-24 ending September were up 16 per cent at 21.28 lakh tonnes on higher demand from countries such as Iran and Bangladesh. During the previous year, the soyameal shiipments stood at 18.36 lakh tonnes.

Indian buyers are confident that Canadian lentil and potash supplies will remain consistent, despite the diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa. Orders for upcoming shipments are on track, and trade officials have not reported any disruptions. Canada is a key supplier of these essential commodities, which are crucial for India's agriculture and food sectors.

Indian buyers do not expect supplies of Canadian lentils and potash to be affected by the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa, trade, industry and government officials said.

Ties between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after New Delhi and Ottawa ordered six diplomats to leave in tit-for-tat moves over Ottawa's allegations that New Delhi was targeting Indian dissidents on Canadian soil.

India has questioned several moves by China at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), turning the heat on non-transparent subsidies that lead to an influx of low-priced, poor-quality goods into the country, harming its local industries.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs ( CBIC ) has issued Compliance Requirements for Health Certificates on food consignments imported from Bhutan, following the implementation of the Agreement signed between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority ( BFDA ).

According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance today (20 October), the existing customs duty on rice has been reduced from 25% to 15% and the existing regulatory duty has been reduced from 25% to 5%.