uk trade agreement

Global powers are now vying for India's attention, recognizing its growing influence. While the US seeks to bolster trade, India has been actively forging significant trade agreements, positioning itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Mitsui OSK Lines anticipates further container rate increases due to a gap between rising bunker oil costs and freight rates, particularly in Asia. While a prolonged conflict could impact demand, the company remains bullish on India's growth, expanding its fleet for energy and vehicle transport.

Jaguar Land Rover India has slashed prices on UK-built Range Rover models, passing on Free Trade Agreement benefits. The Range Rover SV now costs Rs 75 lakh less, starting at Rs 3.50 crore, while the Range Rover Sport SV sees a Rs 40 lakh reduction. This move makes these luxury SUVs more accessible, with updated pricing effective immediately.

In a significant move honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit, US President Donald Trump has agreed to lift tariffs on British whisky exports. This decision, announced via Truth Social, aims to revive trade between Scotland and Kentucky, which had been impacted by the 10% levy.

Tamil Nadu's business landscape remains optimistic despite political shifts, with leaders banking on the state's strong institutions and manufacturing prowess. The new chief minister's assurance of continuity and a corruption-free administration has calmed investor nerves, fostering hope for sustained industrial growth and job creation.

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.

President Trump has warned of significant tariffs on the UK if it doesn't abolish its digital services tax targeting American tech giants. This 2% levy, introduced in 2020, has generated substantial revenue for Britain. The threat escalates existing trade tensions and comes amid broader diplomatic pressures, potentially impacting a UK-US trade deal and defense relations.

Donald Trump has warned the UK of significant tariffs if Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not withdraw the country's digital services tax. Trump views the 2% tax on digital platforms as discriminatory towards American companies, signaling potential retaliation if the policy persists. This threat escalates trade tensions between the two allies.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to take cues from the US Federal Reserve stance on rate cuts in the near future, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

India is well-positioned to navigate global energy shocks due to strong forex reserves, fiscal space, and a robust banking system, according to the World Bank. The institution projects an average growth of 7.1% for FY28-FY29, also highlighting the potential of recent trade agreements with the EU and UK to boost exports and household incomes.

India’s balanced geopolitical approach has helped mitigate risks. Strong relationships across key global blocs have enabled continued access to energy and trade routes, positioning India relatively well in a fragmented global environment.

UK workers will enjoy a compressed three-day workweek at the close of 2026 due to a rare alignment of public holidays. Boxing Day's replacement and New Year's Day falling early in the week create an extended festive break. This shift, confirmed by administrative sources, affects England and Wales, offering employees a welcome, albeit brief, respite.

The Middle East's conflicts are analyzed through the lens of 'proxies and levers,' where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region.

Even as it is confident of India’s ability to come out of the fresh global uncertainty, RBI has flagged five risks due to the US-Iran war that could negatively impact the economy.

While India is keen to find a solution, for almost 30 years, it has used this as a bargaining chip at every meeting, realising that an imposition of duty on streaming and downloads is set to generate revenue for it and others and put those such as the US at a disadvantage. But, for a change, India, the US, Russia and Pakistan are on the same side in their pitch for a reform of the 31-year-old multilateral body.

A UK parliamentary delegation, led by Liam Byrne, met with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting the state's economic prowess and 'Startup Capital' status. Fadnavis urged UK investors, emphasizing Maharashtra's robust ecosystem and its significant contribution to India's GDP. Discussions focused on opportunities within the India-uk trade agreement, particularly in pharma, electronics, technology, and higher education, aiming to foster mutual growth.

The UN General Assembly recognized the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” aiming to confront historical injustice and advance reparatory justice. The resolution passed with 123 votes in favor. The US, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while the UK and EU member states abstained over legal and reparations concerns, despite acknowledging slavery’s history. Ghana emphasized accountability, reparations, and long-term consequences for victims and their descendants.