Author: Editorial Desk

The 2024-25 Economic Survey has highlighted the urgent need to improve India’s textile exports, setting an ambitious target of reaching $150 billion by 2030, up from $34 billion in 2023. The report calls for structural reforms to improve the sector’s competitiveness, including developing localized value chains, reducing regulatory hurdles, and prioritizing man-made fiber (MMF) over traditional cotton textiles. The survey points to India’s lagging global market share—currently at 2% compared to China’s 30% and Vietnam’s 7%—as a key concern. One of the major challenges identified is the fragmented nature of India’s textile supply chain. Unlike China and Vietnam, which have…

An investigation has revealed that delays in enforcing post-Brexit border checks may have put British consumers at risk of consuming diseased meat. Internal discussions among UK health and food safety officials acknowledged the absence of border inspections, raising concerns over public health risks. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) has previously documented failures in handling outbreaks of drug-resistant salmonella, particularly in supermarket chicken imported from Poland. Between 2020 and 2024, illnesses linked to contaminated poultry and eggs peaked as post-Brexit border controls were repeatedly postponed. Documents seen by TBIJ show that in late 2023, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA),…

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1. However, he clarified that a final decision on whether these tariffs would include oil imports from the two nations has yet to be made. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated that the move aims to address undocumented migration, the flow of fentanyl into the US, and trade imbalances with its neighboring countries. “With China, I’m also thinking about something because they’re sending fentanyl into our country, and because of that, they’re causing us hundreds of thousands…

An undercover investigation by British non-profit Earthsight has exposed the large-scale laundering of Belarusian and Russian timber into the EU. This violates sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the sanctions took effect in July 2022, over €1.5 billion worth of illegally sourced timber has reportedly entered the EU, with an estimated 20 container-loads arriving daily. Earthsight’s nine-month investigation involved posing as buyers to gather testimonies from traders involved in the illicit trade. The findings reveal that seven of the ten largest Moscow-based manufacturers and exporters of birch plywood continue to supply the EU, bypassing sanctions by…

The recovery of Australian wine exports following China’s removal of tariffs faces fresh challenges amid declining global consumption, according to Wine Australia, the country’s wine regulatory body. While the lifting of trade restrictions has triggered a sharp rise in shipments to China, long-term demand remains uncertain once initial restocking is completed. Australia’s wine industry, one of the world’s largest exporters, suffered a major blow in 2020 when China—its primary market—imposed tariffs on bottled wine, effectively shutting down imports. This led to oversupply issues and falling grape prices, forcing many producers to remove millions of vines. The situation worsened with major…

Taiwan is evaluating measures to support its semiconductor industry after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on imported chips. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated on Wednesday that the government is closely monitoring the situation and holding emergency discussions. “In a day or two, we will urgently examine whether we should offer more cooperation plans and assistance to the industry,” he told the official Central News Agency during a temple visit for Lunar New Year celebrations. He later emphasized that Taiwan would enhance international collaboration to maintain its leadership in the semiconductor industry and global supply chain. Trump explicitly mentioned Taiwan…

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) maker, has initiated legal proceedings against the European Union over the imposition of additional tariffs on EVs manufactured in China. The United States-based automaker, owned by Elon Musk, joins a series of legal challenges filed by industry players, including German automaker BMW and Chinese manufacturers BYD Auto, SAIC Motor, and Geely. The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products has also contested the EU’s tariffs, while the Chinese government has taken the matter to the World Trade Organization. The European Court of Justice confirmed Tesla’s lawsuit on Monday. Commenting…

The UK has broadened its groundbreaking Ivory Act, granting greater legal protection to four more species—hippopotamus, narwhal, killer whale, and sperm whale—as of 28 January. Previously focused solely on elephants, the Act now bans the import, export, and trade of ivory-containing items from these animals, marking a major step in global conservation efforts. This strengthened legislation establishes one of the world’s toughest bans on ivory sales. Violators face severe penalties, including unlimited fines or up to five years’ imprisonment. The expansion of the Act aims to combat the threats posed by poaching and ivory trade, which have endangered these species,…

India has successfully concluded a groundbreaking agreement to export BrahMos missiles to Indonesia, marking a major milestone in its defense export capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately ₹3,800 crore ($450 million), underlines India’s growing prominence in missile technology and the global defense market. The BrahMos missile, developed through a joint venture between India and Russia, is recognized as one of the most advanced supersonic missile systems in the world. This achievement further cements India’s position as a leading defense exporter and highlights its ability to construct complex defense systems, including aircraft carriers, independently. The agreement comes amid India’s concerted efforts…

China has implemented a sweeping ban on livestock imports from several countries to curb the risk of animal disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease, sheep pox, and goat pox. The decision, announced by the General Administration of Customs on 21 January, follows reports from the World Health Organization about the emergence of these diseases in multiple regions. The ban encompasses a broad spectrum of livestock, such as sheep, goats, poultry, and even-toed ungulates, alongside processed and unprocessed products derived from these animals. Affected countries include Ghana, Somalia, Qatar, Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Bulgaria, East Timor, and Eritrea. Additionally, imports from…