Customer Feedback
Feedback & Reward
Try AI Freight Tips
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Skype

Free Strategic AI

Get a Demo now

Category: Policy & Economic Developments

Posted on

India’s Renewable Energy Surge: Solar Now Cheaper Than Coal, 420% Growth in June Alone

India’s clean energy revolution hit a new milestone in June 2025, with renewable energy capacity soaring 420% year-on-year, from 1.4 GW in June 2024 to 7.3 GW this year, according to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Mr. Pralhad Joshi. The announcement came during the IVCA Renewable Energy Summit held in Mumbai, where leaders and investors gathered to discuss India’s green energy roadmap.
Energy Summit held in Mumbai, where leaders and investors gathered to discuss India’s green energy roadmap.

Key Highlights:

  • 420% YoY growth in renewable energy capacity addition in June 2025.
  • Solar capacity up 4,000% since inception — from 2.82 GW to 117 GW.
  • Wind capacity jumps 140%, from 21 GW to 51.7 GW.
  • Solar energy + battery storage now cheaper than thermal power. .
  • Tariff dropped from ₹10.95/unit in 2010-11 to ₹2.15/unit in 2025.
  • Clean Energy FDI 2023: ₹42,000 crore (US$ 4.88 billion).
  • Cumulative FDI since 2020: ₹1.6 lakh crore (US$ 18.6 billion).
  • Q1 2025 Clean Energy Investment: ₹84,309 crore (US$ 9.8 billion) — 7.7x YoY jump.
  • India’s largest waste-to-energy plant in Ahmedabad processes 1,000 tonnes of waste daily into electricity.
  • 83% of 2024’s power sector investment directed toward renewables.

What This Means for Logistics & Infrastructure:

India’s shift to green energy is not just about environment—it’s reshaping the energy backbone of logistics and manufacturing. With lower tariffs, better energy storage, and massive public-private investments, supply chains can expect more stable, cleaner, and cheaper energy sources going forward.
Posted on

GCCs Set to Add $100–150 Billion to India’s GDP by 2030: FM Sitharaman

India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are rapidly emerging as a major pillar of economic growth, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman projecting a massive contribution of $100–150 billion to India’s GDP by 2030.
Speaking at the CII GCC Summit, the Finance Minister spotlighted how India has become a global hub for innovation, research, and digital transformation through its thriving network of GCCs.
“India’s GCCs are no longer just back offices — they are the nerve centres of global innovation and leadership,” she said.
Posted on

India’s Exports Rise Nearly 6% in Q1 FY2025 — Electronics Lead the Surge

India’s total exports—merchandise plus services—touched USD 210.31 billion during April–June 2025, a 5.94% year-on-year increase, reflecting resilience and growth across key sectors despite global headwinds.

Key Highlights (April–June 2025)

  • Total Exports: USD 210.31 billion (↑5.94% from USD 198.52 billion)
  • Merchandise Exports: USD 112.17 billion (↑1.92%)
  • Services Exports: USD 98.13 billion (↑10.93%)

Top Export Performers

  • Electronic Goods: Up 46.93% in June alone to USD 4.15 billion
  • Drugs & Pharmaceuticals:Up 5.95% to USD 2.62 billion
  • Engineering Goods: Up 1.35% to USD 9.50 billion
  • Marine Products: Up 13.33%
  • Meat, Dairy & Poultry: Up 19.7%

June 2025 Snapshot

  • Overall Exports: USD 67.98 billion (↑6.5% YoY)
  • Merchandise Exports: USD 35.14 billion (steady YoY)
  • Merchandise Imports: USD 53.92 billion (↓3.7%)
  • Services Exports: USD 32.84 billion (↑14.5%)
  • Services Imports: USD 17.58 billion (↑16%)

Trade Deficit Insights

  • June 2025 Overall Trade Deficit: USD 3.51 billion, significantly improved from USD 7.30 billion in June 2024
  • Q1 FY2025 Merchandise Deficit: USD 67.26 billion (↑from USD 62.10 billion)
  • Services Trade Surplus: USD 46.95 billion (↑from USD 39.68 billion)

Non-Petroleum & Non-Gems and Jewellery Trade

  • Exports (June): USD 28.74 billion (↑4.8%)
  • Imports (June): USD 36.57 billion (flat)

Top Performing Commodities

Growth witnessed in:

  • Electronic Goods, Tea, Jute Products, Other Cereals, Fruits & Vegetables, Plastics, Chemicals, Carpet, Rice, and Textiles
Declines seen in imports of:
  • Pulses, Newsprint, Gold, Coal, Transport Equipment, Iron & Steel, Precious Stones

Export & Import Destinations

Top Export Destinations (June 2025):
  • USA | China | Kenya | France | Brazil
Top Import Sources (June 2025):
  • Ireland | Hong Kong | Singapore | Thailand | China
Quarterly Leaders (April–June):
  • Export Growth: USA, China, Kenya, Germany, Australia
  • Import Growth: China, UAE, Ireland, USA, Hong Kong

Insight:

The strong growth in electronics exports and services trade suggests India is gradually shifting toward a high-tech, service-driven export economy. The narrowing trade deficit in June signals improving global demand and efficient domestic production.
Posted on

India Unveils Ambitious Plan for 8 Mega Shipbuilding Clusters

In a landmark move to boost India’s maritime manufacturing capabilities, the Indian government has announced plans to develop eight mega shipbuilding clusters along the nation’s extensive coastline. This transformative project aims to position India as a global hub for ship construction, repair, and associated services.
The initiative includes the creation of five new greenfield clusters in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, as well as the upgradation of three existing brownfield shipyards at Vadinar, Kandla (Gujarat), and near Cochin Port (Kerala).
To fast-track development, state governments have set up special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and allocated land for the projects. Work on essential connectivity infrastructure—roads, rail links, and marine access—is already underway.
The shipbuilding clusters will not just focus on vessel construction, but also include integrated ecosystems supporting:
  • Component manufacturing
  • Marine insurance
  • Leasing and financing
  • Bunkering and fuel services
In line with its global ambitions, India is actively engaging with international partners, especially from South Korea, Japan, and Scandinavia, known for their advanced shipbuilding technologies.
The entire program is expected to draw investments of over ₹2 lakh crore (~$24 billion) over the next 5 to 6 years, according to preliminary reports.

Key Highlights

  • India to build 8 shipbuilding mega-clusters across strategic coastal states.
  • 5 greenfield sites: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
  • 3 brownfield upgrades: Vadinar, Kandla (Gujarat) and near Cochin (Kerala).
  • SPVs formed by state governments; land already identified.
  • Infrastructure work underway: roads, rail, and marine links.
  • Integrated approach: from ship manufacturing to marine services.
  • Global tie-ups underway with South Korea, Japan & Scandinavia.
  • Investment of ₹2 lakh crore planned over 5–6 years.
Posted on

India-US Trade Pact on the Horizon Amid Rising US Tariffs on ASEAN, BRICS

In a high-stakes geopolitical and trade maneuver, US President Donald Trump has announced the United States is “close to signing a trade deal with India,” while simultaneously slapping steep reciprocal tariffs — ranging from 25% to 40% — on 14 countries, many of which are key members of ASEAN.
This announcement signals a reshuffling of global trade alignments and offers India a potentially strategic opening — though not without risks.

Key Highlights

  • India spared: India is not among the 14 countries hit by the latest US tariffs — a sign of improving bilateral trade ties.
  • Trump’s tariff targets:
  • 40% tariff on Laos & Myanmar
  • 36% tariff on Thailand & Cambodia
  • 32% tariff on Indonesia
  • 25% tariff on Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Tunisia
  • 35% tariffon Bangladesh, Serbia
  • 30% tariff on South Africa & Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • ASEAN in crosshairs: 6 of the 14 countries hit are ASEAN members, underlining what Trump appears to see as their deepening ties with China.
  • India’s trade negotiations:
  • Offering market access to US products (excluding sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture).
  • In return, expecting lower tariffs for Indian textiles, footwear, and labor-intensive sectors.
  • Slow progress on renegotiating the FTA with ASEAN has irked Indian policymakers.
  • Geopolitical context:
  • ASEAN economies have increased integration with China — a key driver behind US tariff action.
  • China and ASEAN recently upgraded their Free Trade Area, expanding into digital and green tech.
  • Global Trade Concerns:
  • New US tariffs lack WTO-compliant structure, per think tank Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI).
  • Under Trump's model, partner nations reduce tariffs while the US rolls back only its “Liberation Day” tariffs — currently under legal challenge.
  • BRICS under threat:
  • Trump recently threatened a 10% tariff on BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China) for pursuing "anti-American" policies.
  • Triggered by the BRICS Summit where members explored alternatives to the US dollar.
  • Trump's stance: “Loyalty trumps legality.”

Strategic Outlook

As India edges closer to a potential trade pact with the US, the geopolitical undertones cannot be ignored. While India avoids punitive tariffs for now, the unpredictable nature of US trade policy under Trump — and his lack of Congressional backing — raises critical concerns:
  • Will any deal hold long-term legal value?
  • Can India shield its sensitive sectors while gaining fair access to US markets?
  • Will deeper BRICS or ASEAN ties become trade liabilities in a US-centric global order?

In Summary

India may be walking a fine line — balancing strategic autonomy with trade diplomacy — as Trump redraws the tariff map. The evolving situation presents both opportunities for Indian exporters and risks of retaliatory backlash if global trade tensions intensify.
Posted on

India & Argentina Deepen Strategic Partnership in Key Sectors

In a landmark diplomatic development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei agreed to deepen the India-Argentina strategic partnership, with a strong focus on defence, energy, critical minerals, and trade diversification.
This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, coinciding with two major milestones:
  • 75 years of diplomatic relations
  • 5 years since ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership
During the high-level meeting in Buenos Aires, both leaders expressed strong commitment to unlocking new opportunities across sectors and expanding regional cooperation.

Key Highlights

  • Strengthened Strategic Ties
    Emphasis on collaboration in defence, security, energy, critical minerals, and space technology.
  • Green Energy Boost
    Continued focus on lithium cooperation—vital for India’s electric vehicle and renewable energy goals.
  • MoU on mineral cooperation signed in 2022
  • First working group meeting held in January 2024
  • Agricultural Cooperation
    A new Joint Working Group on Agriculture will be formed to enhance market access and boost bilateral agri-trade.
  • Healthcare & Pharma Opportunities in pharmaceutical exports and health tech collaboration were discussed.
  • Growing Trade Volumes
  • Bilateral trade surged to $6.4 billion in 2022, doubled from 2019
  • In 2024, trade stood at $5.23 billion
  • India is now Argentina’s 5th-largest trading partner
  • Regional Trade Push
Modi pushed for expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement to deepen ties with Latin America’s key economies.

Diplomatic Signals

Modi called his talks with Milei “excellent” and expressed optimism for future collaboration. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, areas of mutual interest also include space exploration, sports diplomacy, and technology innovation.
This visit reaffirms India’s growing strategic presence in Latin America and marks a new chapter in its South-South cooperation strategy, especially in the global supply chain and critical minerals space.
Posted on

India-Brazil Strengthen Ties: USD 20 Billion Trade Target Set Over Five Years

In a significant diplomatic and economic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have set an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion to be achieved within the next five years. The announcement came during PM Modi’s state visit to Brazil following the BRICS Summit in Rio.
The two leaders discussed a wide-ranging strategic partnership encompassing trade, defence, climate action, technology, energy, and public health. The visit underscores growing alignment between the two major Global South economies.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

  • Bilateral Trade Boost:
  • Trade target of USD 20 billion set for the next 5 years.
  • Agreement to elevate trade dialogue through a ministerial-level monitoring mechanism.
  • India-Mercosur Expansion:
  • PM Modi sought Brazil’s support for expanding the India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement.
  • President Lula confirmed Brazil’s backing and directed his team to expedite discussions.
  • MoUs Signed:
  • Combating international terrorism and transnational crime.
  • Cooperation in digital transformation and sharing successful digital public infrastructure.
  • Collaboration in renewable energy development.
  • Upcoming Agreements:
  • MoUs on agricultural research, intellectual property cooperation, and classified information exchange are set to be signed.
  • Climate & Energy Partnership:
  • Emphasis on climate action and sustainability ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
  • Discussions on joint efforts in bioenergy, critical minerals (like lithium and rare earths), and clean energy.
  • Healthcare and Pharma Access:
  • India requested fast-tracked entry for Indian pharma products already approved by US FDA/EDQM.
  • Focus on affordable medicines for Brazilian markets.
  • Technology and AI Collaboration:
  • Shared commitment to collaborate in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and emerging technologies.
  • Mutual interest in technology transfers and knowledge exchange.
  • Cultural & Sports Ties:
  • Talks on people-to-people exchanges, sports diplomacy (cricket-football collaboration), and tourism
  • Regional & Multilateral Engagement:
  • Discussion on issues related to the Global South, BRICS, G20, UN, and South-South cooperation.
  • Terrorism Condemnation:
  • Brazil expressed solidarity with India post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Commitment to jointly combat terrorism.
  • Symbol of Friendship:
  • PM Modi conferred with Brazil’s Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross — the country’s highest civilian honour.
  • Diplomatic Footprint:
  • This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil and only the second standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years.
  • The trip follows his Argentina visit and precedes his journey to Namibia.

Why It Matters for Logistics & Trade Professionals:

  • The India-Brazil trade corridor is poised for strategic growth, especially in agri-trade, energy logistics, pharma exports, and mineral supply chains.
  • Enhanced regulatory cooperation (e.g., pharma fast-tracking) can accelerate trade timelines and reduce compliance delays
  • Expanded digital and AI cooperation opens doors for logistics tech companies to explore cross-border innovations.
  • The India-Mercosur PTA expansion may ease tariffs, enabling more competitive freight rates and deeper NVOCC integration in Latin America.
Posted on

India to Mandate Green Steel in Government Projects from FY28

In a landmark step toward decarbonizing heavy industries, the Indian government is set to mandate the use of green-rated steel in all central government projects and centrally-sponsored schemes beginning FY2027–28, according to people familiar with the development.
The Ministry of Steel has already prepared a draft Cabinet note, laying the groundwork for this green procurement policy—one that could reshape steel consumption patterns in India’s public sector.

Key Highlights:

  • Mandatory Green Steel Quotas:
  • 3-star rated steel: Minimum 20% procurement.
  • 4-star rated steel: Minimum 5% procurement.
  • 5-star rated steel: Minimum 1% procurement.
  • Threshold for Applicability:
Projects involving iron and steel products worth over ₹1 crore (~$116,550) will fall under the scope of this mandate.
  • Driving Demand in Public Procurement:
Public sector projects currently account for 22% of India’s steel consumption, projected to rise to 28% by FY2030. This makes government procurement a powerful lever to stimulate demand for green steel.
  • Environmental Alignment:
The policy supports India’s broader goals for industrial decarbonization and aligns with its commitments under various global climate agreements.
  • Cost vs Sustainability:
Officials note that since current procurement is based on lowest cost, environmental impact often goes unaccounted for. The new policy aims to balance cost with sustainability imperatives, with negligible impact on total expenditure.
  • Awaiting Official Response:
The Steel Ministry has yet to formally respond to media inquiries about the proposed timeline and implementation roadmap.

Why This Matters for Logistics & Infrastructure Stakeholders:

With steel being a foundational material in port infrastructure, logistics parks, warehouses, and road/rail freight corridors, this policy could reshape procurement strategies for EPC contractors, government tenders, and public-private partnership (PPP) projects.
Posted on

DPIIT Reviews Rs 36,296 Cr Infra Projects in Gujarat & Rajasthan — Focus on Renewable Power & 5G Expansion

In a major push to accelerate stalled infrastructure initiatives, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reviewed 22 critical issues impacting 18 infrastructure projects worth Rs 36,296 crore ($4.23 billion) across Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The high-level review was led by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Bhatia, bringing together senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and private project developers.

Key Highlights:

  • Total Projects Reviewed: 18
  • Total Investment Impacted: Rs 36,296 crore ($4.23 Billion)
  • Issues Addressed: 22 across power, telecom, and industrial infrastructure

Major Projects Discussed:

  • Transmission System Strengthening Scheme
  • Investment: Rs 14,147 crore
  • Purpose: Evacuation of power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan and Gujarat
  • Objective: Seamless integration of renewable energy into the national grid
  • Infrastructure Scope: Includes development of high-capacity transmission lines and substations
  • Reliance Jio’s 5G/4G Network Expansion
  • Recognized as a "Project of National Importance"
  • Aimed at rapid rollout of next-gen connectivity in underserved and strategic regions
This coordinated effort signals the government’s resolve to unblock regulatory and coordination hurdles that slow down vital infrastructure, especially in energy and digital sectors. The DPIIT’s proactive monitoring underlines the importance of fast-tracking execution to align with India’s industrial and climate goals.
Posted on

India’s Services Sector Hits 10-Month High in June on Soaring Demand and Export Orders

India’s services economy surged to a 10-month high in June, signaling robust economic momentum and growing opportunities in logistics and trade. Fueled by strong domestic demand and record-breaking international orders, the HSBC Services PMI rose to 60.4, up from 58.8 in May, according to the latest S&P Global survey.
This comes on the heels of manufacturing PMI hitting a 14-month high at 58.4, pointing to a synchronized growth across both major sectors of the economy.

Key Highlights

  • Services PMI (June 2025): Climbed to 60.4, highest since August 2024.
  • Composite PMI Output Index: Rose to 61, fastest expansion in 14 months.
  • Export Boom: New international orders surged at one of the strongest rates since tracking began.
  • Domestic Demand Strength: Services firms reported a sharp rise in new orders, led by consumer and corporate demand.
  • Price Pressure Eased: Softer rise in input costs and output prices improved margins.
  • Manufacturing PMI: Reached 58.4 in June, up from 57.6 in May.
  • Employment Trend: Manufacturing added jobs, but hiring in services moderated slightly.
  • Future Outlook: Business optimism remains strong, though slightly tempered among services firms.

Why This Matters for Logistics & Trade

  • Rising Services Output drives demand for logistics, warehousing, and transportation support.
  • Record export order growth signals momentum in cross-border trade, benefiting freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and exporters.
  • Softening inflationary pressures ease operating costs for service providers, including those in the supply chain industry.
  • Stable job creation in manufacturing supports logistics-intensive sectors like industrial distribution and e-commerce.

Expert Take

“The services PMI was up to a ten-month high, led by a sharp rise in new domestic orders. Margins improved, as the rise in input costs was below that seen for output charges,” said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief Economist at HSBC India.
cargonet-logo-icon
sss-global-feedback--
uks-global-feedback--
world-box-feeback--
customerfeedback--
FeedBack--
ocl-feedback--
Pusherfeedback--
Cargonet Cargo Software Logo

Feedback & Reward program

Submit the Feedback and avail the Rewards.

1. Your satisfaction & reliability on CargoNet ?

2. Your Rating on Support & co-ordination team?

3. Satisfaction on the look and feel of CargoNet ?

4. Please specify any 2 best features that you feel more helpful in CargoNet?

5. Please specify any 2 best reports that you are taking on regular basis?

6. Are you using Copy Job option in CargoNet Software?

7. Are you using Automatic DSR (Daily Status Report) Option? It automatically sends reports to customer about the shipment status

8. Are you using Automatic Outstanding Reports option? Period Auto outstanding reminders to customer

9. Any other thoughts to improve in CargoNet? Please share.

* Join our Reward Program by recommending CargoNet (Cash Rewards Awaiting)

“Thanks for your feedback. Our goal is to create the best possible product, support & service, and your thoughts, ideas & suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.”

Cut AI cost,
not performance

discover how top Freight Forwarding companies  reduce AI-related expense and speed up operation with CargoNet AI, we will show it how
Share your information for instant access :