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EXPLAINED: Fta - The Real Truth

India's exports under free trade pacts grew faster than imports in April-July: Piyush Goyal

Exports under free trade agreements are now growing faster than imports. Outbound shipments to FTA partner countries expanded by 23.9 percent to USD 57.2 billion. The trade deficit with FTA partners narrowed from USD 34.2 billion to USD 32.6 billion. Overall merchandise exports for the four-month period reached USD 173.8…

The Economic Times

India’s gold rush takes a Dubai detour as UAE shipments soar while rest of world imports fall

India experienced a sudden spike in its gold import bill in 2026, predominantly fueled by imports from the UAE. This uptick occurred despite Prime Minister Modi's call for reduced gold buying. As a result, the preferential tariff established by the India-UAE free trade agreement is currently facing scrutiny, prompting potential…

The Economic Times

India-EU ties stronger than ever, FTA breakthrough driven by realism, pragmatism: EU Ambassador

India-EU relations are stronger than ever due to increased strategic understanding and comfort. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations progressed with realism and pragmatism from both sides. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakage and incentivize lower emissions. Both India and the EU seek to de-risk supply…

The Economic Times

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India Inc should utilise FTAs, focus on value addition, diversify export markets, says govt official

Industry must utilize free trade agreements for expanded market access and investment. Value addition and supply chain resilience are crucial for global competitiveness. Diversifying export markets will open new trade corridors for India. Engaging on technical standards will position India as a market leader. India aims to be a trusted…

The Economic Times

India’s FTA exports surge, shipments to Singapore and Sri Lanka more than double

Exports to Singapore and Sri Lanka more than doubled in the first quarter. Shipments to the ASEAN region also saw significant growth during this period. Malaysia and Australia experienced substantial increases in their export figures. The India-UK trade agreement operationalized, boosting shipments to the UK. Overall, India's exports demonstrated robust…

The Economic Times

FTAs to drive 30-40% growth in India’s textile exports to UK, EU over next 15 months: DMA’s Sharad Jaipuria

India's textile exports to the UK and EU are on the verge of expansion in the next fifteen months, driven by new FTAs that level the playing field with other nations. As the Indian denim sector prioritises sustainability with an emphasis on water conservation, boosting garment production capabilities and workforce…

The Economic Times

Exports, imports via FTA partners surge in first half

Thailand's trade with free-trade agreement (FTA) partners rose by 21.8% year-on-year to over US$240 billion in the first half of this year. The key markets driving this growth include Singapore, Australia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and India.

Bangkok Post

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More exporters leveraging benefits of free trade pacts: Govt

In 2025-26, India's ten largest import partner countries were China, UAE, Russia, US, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore and Japan, as per govt data.

The Economic Times

India's big billion-dollar trade deals are done. Now comes the real test

India has spent years negotiating free trade agreements with some of the world's biggest economies. But signing the deals was only half the battle. The bigger challenge now is helping Indian businesses turn preferential market access into exports, investments, manufacturing growth and global competitiveness.

The Economic Times

Scotch at a discount post UK FTA is only half the story for India's whisky market

India's import duties on Scotch whisky and gin have been halved by a new trade agreement. This change is expected to gradually lower prices for imported premium spirits over time. Indian distillers anticipate improved access to bulk Scotch for blending purposes. Domestic single malt producers remain confident in their quality…

The Economic Times

Thailand aims to finish EU free trade talks this year

Thailand aims to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of this year, although differences over agricultural products and raw materials remain unresolved.

Bangkok Post

India-UK FTA offers big opportunity, but implementation gaps remain: Industry

Businesses welcome the pact but seek clarity on implementation details and regulations. Technical standards and rules of origin require further guidance for effective trade. Medical device exporters express cautious optimism and need policy safeguards. The agreement aims to boost exports and integrate India into global value chains.

The Economic Times

The biggest prize in the India-UK FTA may not be export boost

The India-UK free trade agreement offers more than just export growth. It aims to build capabilities within Indian factories and deepen the export ecosystem. This agreement encourages existing exporters to upgrade and new manufacturers to enter global markets. A wider exporter base will benefit all of India's future trade agreements.…

The Economic Times

India-UK FTA comes into force: Industry hails ‘landmark moment’ for bilateral trade

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between India and the UK is now active. This pact aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and economic growth for both nations. Tariffs will be reduced on numerous goods, making them cheaper for consumers. Indian professionals will benefit from extended social security contribution exemptions.…

The Economic Times

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The Economic Times

FTAs alone won’t make India a manufacturing power: GTRI’s Ajay Srivastava

Tariff concessions alone will not secure India’s long-term economic success; strengthening manufacturing competitiveness is the key, says Ajay Srivastava.

The Economic Times

India-UK FTA explained: No new work visa, but these professionals benefit

The India-UK FTA does not introduce a new UK work visa or relax Britain's immigration rules, despite common misconceptions. Instead, it facilitates temporary business mobility for business visitors, intra-company transferees, contractual service suppliers and independent professionals, while a separate social security pact reduces National Insurance costs for eligible Indian professionals…

The Economic Times

India-UK FTA comes into effect today, unlocking duty-free access for Indian exports

India and the UK have enacted a free trade agreement, opening significant export opportunities. This pact offers duty-free access on ninety-nine percent of India's tariff lines to the UK. Indian manufacturers will gain preferential entry into the UK's sixth-largest economy. The agreement also provides regulatory certainty for Indian service providers…

The Economic Times

India-New Zealand FTA likely to enter into force by year-end: Minister Todd McClay

India and New Zealand's free trade agreement is expected to take effect by year's end. This pact will significantly enhance economic and trade relations between both nations. New Zealand's parliament has already approved the agreement, moving it through legislative processes. The agreement aims to build resilient supply chains and maintain…

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The Economic Times

"FTA not agreement of immigration, visas are sovereign decisions": MEA on India-New Zealand agreement

India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified immigration misunderstandings regarding the Free Trade Agreement. The ministry differentiated immigration from skilled manpower mobility, which is included. Visas remain a sovereign decision for New Zealand, according to officials. Prime Ministers elevated the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. A roadmap will guide future…

The Economic Times

Ratification process for India-NZ FTA has begun, no set timeline yet: MEA

New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement ratification process has begun. The first parliamentary reading for the pact has already been completed. Officials confirmed no fixed timeline exists for the agreement's implementation. New Zealand assured India of bipartisan political support for the pact. This facilitation aims for a long-term economic partnership with…

The Economic Times

India-UK FTA: Pharma industry flags regulatory priorities ahead of July 15 rollout

Industry stakeholders expect stronger trade, investment, and research partnerships but say implementation clarity will determine the pact’s long-term impact.

The Economic Times

Raising the bar: India-UK FTA seen driving next wave of premiumisation in alco-bev industry

Under the India-UK trade deal, set to take effect on July 15, India will be reducing duty on UK whisky and gin from 150% to 75% and further to 40% in the tenth year of the deal.

Bangkok Post

Thailand, EU free trade talks make more progress

Thailand and the European Union have concluded eight more negotiating items in their latest free trade agreement (FTA) talks, a key step toward finalising the long-awaited pact, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.

The Economic Times

Why the India-UK trade pact could make this India’s decade for the textile industry

Industry experts say that the trade deal is expected to improve India’s price competitiveness, enhance export opportunities, and strengthen its position as one of the world’s key fashion and retail markets.

The Economic Times

Do not see India-Peru FTA happening anytime soon, says Piyush Goyal

India's proposed free trade agreement with Peru faces delays due to market access concerns for certain products, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He indicated the Peru FTA is unlikely to conclude soon. In contrast, negotiations for an India-Canada FTA are progressing well, with a team heading to Canada for…

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