import tariffs

US President Donald Trump announced the removal of tariffs and restrictions on whiskey trade between Scotland and Kentucky. This decision, influenced by the recent visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla, aims to bolster long-standing trade ties, particularly concerning wooden barrel exchanges.

India-New Zealand FTA: It aims to double bilateral trade, provide Indian exporters duty-free access to the New Zealand market, and attract investments worth $20 billion over the next 15 years.

India and New Zealand have signed a 'once-in-a-generation' trade pact, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand. Both nations are optimistic about the pact's potential to boost economic growth and cooperation across various sectors.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seized upon remarks by RSS leader Ram Madhav to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Madhav's initial comments suggested India yielded to US pressure on oil imports and tariffs, which he later retracted and apologized for. Congress claims this indicates PM Modi has lost his authority and India's sovereignty is compromised.

The US has slapped a hefty 123.04% anti-dumping duty on Indian solar cells and modules, citing "critical circumstances." This, combined with existing duties, makes US shipments unviable. However, Indian solar firms have already diversified exports to Europe and West Asia, mitigating the immediate impact. The industry plans to challenge the "flawed" findings.

Exporters and end consumers are not permitted to file claims directly, although some companies, such as FedEx, may opt to pass on the refunded amounts at their discretion.

American businesses are set to receive billions in refunds for unconstitutional tariffs imposed by former President Trump. The US Customs and Border Protection is launching an online portal this week for importers to file claims, with refunds expected within 60-90 days.

A New Jersey firm, Royal Sovereign, has been fined $8 million and ordered to pay over $395,000 in restitution for concealing dangerously defective air conditioners linked to over 40 fires and one fatality. The company knowingly sold thousands of units with a faulty motor, leading to a recall and a guilty plea for violating consumer safety laws.

Indian mangoes are a springtime obsession for many Americans, fetching prices of $50-$60 per box. Despite the high cost, driven by airfreight and retail markups, demand is soaring. This surge follows a decades-long import ban, lifted after a presidential agreement in 2006, making these prized fruits a luxury for many.

Washington isn’t interested in being a guarantor of anything, including energy supplies. New Delhi’s strategic response must centre around the one energy source it has in abundance

Donald Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on the UK if the government under Keir Starmer does not scrap its digital services tax. Trump stated the levy unfairly targets American tech companies, warning of retaliatory measures if the tax is not withdrawn. He also commented on Starmer's chances of recovery, linking it to immigration policies.

India and the US concluded three days of trade talks in Washington, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral agreement. Discussions covered market access, digital commerce, and economic security.

The India-New Zealand FTA highlights that the provisions on student mobility, professional pathways, working holiday visa creates an unprecedented opportunity for Indian youth and professionals to gain global exposure.