Commerce and Industry Ministry

July 30, 2026 8:07 PM

APEDA facilitates first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana from Bihar to Canada

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of value-added flavoured makhana (fox nuts) from Bihar to Canada, marking a significant step in expanding the global footprint of the state's premium agricultural produce while boosting returns for farmers through value addition. The inaugural consignment, comprising seven metric tonnes packed in two containers, was flagged off from Darbhanga on July 29 and dispatched to...

July 28, 2026 8:01 PM

India’s exports hit record $863.1 billion in FY26 as FTAs boost trade with UAE, UK and Australia

India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in the financial year 2025-26, driven by strong growth in both merchandise and services exports and supported by expanding market access under the country's free trade agreements (FTAs), the government informed Parliament on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, merchandise exports stood at US$441.8 billion, while services exports reached US$421.3 billion, reflecting the combined strength of both sectors in driving I...

July 28, 2026 7:19 PM

India’s toy exports surge 89% as government push boosts domestic manufacturing, quality standards

India's toy industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, with toy exports rising by 89.1% and imports declining by 37.5%, reflecting the growing strength of domestic manufacturing and the success of government initiatives aimed at improving quality, safety and global competitiveness. According to information shared by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, India's toy exports increased from USD 203...

July 25, 2026 4:30 PM

US cuts proposed Section 301 tariff on India to 10%, nearly half of exports remain exempt

India has secured a lower tariff burden under the United States' final Section 301 measures on imports linked to forced labour concerns, with the additional duty on Indian goods reduced to 10 per cent from the 12.5 per cent initially proposed, the government said on Saturday. The final measures, announced by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on July 23, conclude an investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, 1974, into the policies and practices of 60 economies, including India, r...

July 21, 2026 7:03 PM

Government expands FTAs, export promotion measures to diversify export markets

The government has intensified efforts to diversify India's export markets by expanding its network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), pursuing trade negotiations with major economies, and introducing a series of export promotion and logistics reforms aimed at strengthening the country's global trade footprint. The initiatives are intended to help Indian exporters navigate evolving geopolitical and economic challenges while improving market access, boosting exports and enhancing the competitivene...

July 21, 2026 6:59 PM

PLI schemes attract over Rs 2.40 lakh crore investment, generate more than 14.15 lakh jobs: Government

The Government on Tuesday said that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes have attracted investments of more than ₹2.40 lakh crore and generated over 14.15 lakh jobs since their launch, while exports under the schemes have crossed ₹15.2 lakh crore, reflecting the growing strength of India's manufacturing sector. The PLI Schemes, covering 14 key sectors with an approved financial outlay of ₹1.91 lakh crore, were launched to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, attract inves...

July 20, 2026 9:23 PM

India joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, backs sustainable fishing and small-scale fishers

India has formally become a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies after depositing its Instrument of Acceptance with the global trade body, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable fisheries management while safeguarding the interests of traditional and small-scale fishing communities. The Instrument of Acceptance was handed over by the Commerce Secretary to the WTO Director-General on Monday, making India the 123rd WTO member to join the Agreement. Adop...

July 20, 2026 6:30 PM

Index of Core Industries growth rises by 5% in June 2026 under new revised base year series

The Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Monday released the revised Index of Core Industries (ICI) with 2022-23 as the new base year, replacing the existing 2011-12 series. Along with the launch of the new series, the government also released the provisional Index of Core Industries for June 2026, which recorded a 5 per cent year-on-year growth, marking an improvement over the 3.2 per cent growth recorded in May 2026. ...

July 19, 2026 3:22 PM

APEDA facilitates first export of premium Kashmir cherries and plums to Singapore

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu & Kashmir to Singapore, marking another milestone in expanding the global reach of the region's horticultural produce. The shipment, comprising Areko cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose plums sourced from Shopian and Pulwama, follows the successful export of fresh cherries and plums from...

July 7, 2026 11:15 AM

Piyush Goyal urges leather, footwear industry to target $15 billion exports in next 5-6 years

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday called upon the leather and footwear industry to target at least $15 billion in exports over the next five to six years, urging the sector to aim for three-fold growth by leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), diversifying export markets and strengthening quality, design, branding and sustainability. Addressing the Council for Leather Exports National Export Excellence Awards 2024-25 in New Delhi, Goyal said the industry, which curre...