India-UK Free Trade Deal to Slash Textile Export Duties, Unlocking New Growth Opportunities

A landmark shift is on the horizon for Indian textile exporters as the proposed India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to eliminate import duties—currently as high as 12%—on textile shipments to the UK. According to a report by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), this move is expected to unlock major growth opportunities for India’s textile sector, especially in apparel and home furnishings.

Why It Matters:

With zero-duty access to the UK market, Indian exporters will gain a competitive edge over rivals like China and Bangladesh, particularly as these countries continue to face trade barriers, including U.S. tariffs.

Key Takeaways :

What This Means for the Industry:

The FTA could be a game-changer, positioning India not just as a cost-effective supplier but as a reliable, duty-free source for high-quality textiles. It strengthens India’s global trade footprint and supports long-term growth by breaking down critical trade barriers.

Russia Targets Long-Term Coal Partnership with India Amid Massive Reserve Expansion

Russia is positioning itself as a long-term coal supplier to India, backed by an astonishing reserve capacity that could sustain global demand for over 500 years, according to Russian Energy Ministry officials.
Speaking on the future of the coal industry, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Alexander Novak highlighted that Russia is rapidly developing next-generation, eco-friendly coal mining hubs. These advanced facilities are expected to add 250 million tonnes of production capacity by 2025 alone.
“Russia sees India as a key strategic partner in energy cooperation,” Novak said in the latest issue of Energy Policy magazine. “Our countries can build a strong, reliable energy corridor that benefits both economies.”
In 2024, Russia produced 443.5 million tonnes of coal, with nearly 196.2 million tonnes destined for export, making it one of the top coal exporters to India by volume.
Looking ahead, Novak envisions a coal sector transformed by innovation. “By 2050, the industry will consist of high-tech, environmentally compliant enterprises that meet the demands of a sustainable future,” he noted.
With vast reserves and modern infrastructure investments, Russia’s energy ambitions could play a key role in powering India’s growing energy needs.

South African Citrus Exports to India Triple to 30,000 Tons

South Africa’s seedless citrus fruits—especially oranges and mandarins—are enjoying a surge in popularity in India, with exports tripling over the past five years. Backed by smart logistics strategies and growing consumer demand, the Indo-African fruit trade is entering a juicy new chapter.
South Africa exported 30,000 tons of citrus to India in 2024, up from 10,000 tons in 2019, capitalizing on demand for easy-peel, vitamin-rich fruits during India’s offseason.
However, challenges remain—from steep tariffs to cold treatment regulations. Yet, logistics players are rising to the occasion, creating efficient supply chains and unlocking the potential of the India–South Africa fresh produce corridor.

Key Highlights:

Citrus exports from South Africa to India surged from 10,000 tons in 2019 to 30,000 tons in 2024.
South Africa’s citrus season (June–October) avoids direct competition with India’s (November–March).
Rising middle-class income and a focus on health drive demand for premium, seedless citrus rich in vitamin C.
A 30% import duty and restrictions on in-transit cold treatment inflate costs and risk product quality.

India and South Africa are in talks to harmonize cold treatment protocols, potentially allowing in-transit processes and reducing spoilage.

Providers are investing in:
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are driving the trend toward high-quality imported fruits.
With improved policies and logistics innovations, exports could exceed 50,000 tons in the next few years.

Steel on the Move: India’s April Exports Climb 12% YoY Amid EU Surge

India’s steel exports saw a strong year-on-year rise in April 2025, even as month-on-month figures showed slight softness. Here’s a quick snapshot of the developments:

Key Highlights:

Market Dynamics:

India Eyes Rapeseed Meal Export Revival to China Amid Widening Price Gap

India is positioning itself to reclaim its share in China’s rapeseed meal market, leveraging a significant price advantage over global competitors amid tightening supplies and rising international rates.
The Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) has urged the Ministry of Commerce to engage Chinese authorities in relaxing import restrictions, which currently limit exports to just three Indian facilities approved by China’s customs administration.
With Indian rapeseed meal priced at $202/tonne (Ex-Kandla FAS) versus $308/tonne (Ex-Hamburg) internationally, Indian exporters see a strong opening to re-enter the Chinese market—especially as China faces supply constraints from its main suppliers, Canada and the EU.
However, the Indian oilmeal export sector is also contending with competition from Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a protein-rich ethanol byproduct increasingly used in animal feed, which may impact traditional demand.
Despite record harvests in soybean and mustard crops boosting domestic meal supply, global price disparity continues to dampen export demand.

Key Takeaways :

India–UK FTA Set to Double Apparel and Textile Trade by 2030

India’s apparel and home textiles exports to the UK are on track to see a major boost, with trade volumes expected to double over the next 5–6 years. This surge is attributed to the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, according to a report by credit rating agency ICRA.

Key Highlights :

With zero tariffs and strategic capacity building, the FTA could unlock a new era of textile trade growth between India and the UK.

India’s Smartphone Exports Overtake Petroleum & Diamonds to Top Export Charts

In a dramatic shift in India’s export landscape, smartphones have surged past petroleum products and diamonds to become the country’s #1 export item, according to recent government data.

Fueled by booming global demand and policy-driven momentum, India is fast emerging as a global smartphone manufacturing powerhouse.

Key Highlights:

“This rapid ascent is transforming India into a key global hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports,” said a senior Commerce Ministry official.

India Imports 2.88M Tons of Iron Ore Jan–Apr, Up 76% YoY Amid Domestic Supply Gaps

India’s appetite for imported iron ore continues to grow, even as domestic production hits historic highs. From January to April 2025, the country imported approximately 2.88 million tons of iron ore (including fines and pellets), marking a 76% year-on-year increase, according to trade data reported by Kallanish.

Key Highlights :

Despite a strong domestic mining performance, India’s growing steel sector and periodic supply chain interruptions are prompting a greater reliance on overseas sourcing — especially for key players like JSW Steel.

India Close to Signing Trade Deal with Oman as Gulf Engagement Gains Momentum

India is on the cusp of finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman, one of its oldest strategic partners in the Gulf region. The deal is expected to deepen economic ties and open new avenues for trade and investment.
According to The Economic Times, the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was formally launched in November 2023, is in its final stages.
“Only a few issues are left to be resolved with Oman and an announcement could be made this month,” a source involved in the negotiations revealed.

Key Trade Highlights :

The economic relationship goes beyond trade. India and Oman have recently updated their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aligning it with global standards to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions.

💼 Investment Ties:

🌐 Strengthening Gulf Partnerships

India’s engagement with Oman is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic cooperation across the Gulf:
These developments reflect India’s growing focus on building robust economic linkages in the region, especially in sectors like trade, energy, infrastructure, and security.

India’s Pharma Juggernaut Powers Ahead

India’s pharmaceutical are still on a roll: pharma exports to the US jumped 14 % in April–Feb FY25, touching US $9.8 billion even off a hefty base, Pharmexcil data shows.
Logistics lens : Expect steady volumes of time‑sensitive, high‑value pharma freight heading west—plus a pivot toward alternative lanes as exporters hedge against tariff risk. Tighten your cold‑chain and compliance game to stay ahead.
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