Insights
Goldman says Hormuz flare-up may delay recovery in oil supplies
Renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran have impacted global energy markets significantly. Ship traffic through the strait has nearly halted after recent attacks and exchanges. Flows through the Persian Gulf have retreated closer to seventy percent of normal.
Asia Rice: Higher reserve price makes Indian rice exports costlier; Bangladesh rates firm
India's rice export prices have increased due to higher reserve prices and planting delays. Bangladesh rice prices remain firm as flood fears outweigh ample government stockpiles. Thailand's rice prices saw a slight decrease while demand remained limited. Vietnam's rice prices are unchanged with strong demand from the Philippines.
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.
Asia growth improves but ADB warns of persistent headwinds
Asian economic growth is projected at 4.9% for 2026, a slight improvement from earlier forecasts. Lingering Middle East conflict impacts continue to weigh on supply chains and production costs. Inflation is expected to decrease to 4.3% in 2026 as oil prices stabilise.
Hormuz ship insurance demand drops as owners get nervous
London marine insurers report fewer transit inquiries for the Strait of Hormuz. Shipowners show growing caution as US and Iran exchange attacks.
Coffee prices to stay high as volatility lingers, Lavazza says
Coffee prices are expected to remain unstable for at least two years. El Niño weather patterns also pose a significant threat to crop yields. Consumers should anticipate higher coffee prices for the foreseeable future.
Ahead of India-UK FTA rollout on July 15, specialty chemicals industry seeks clarity on rules of origin
Industry stakeholders say lower tariffs and improved market access will strengthen India's specialty chemicals sector, but they call for clarity on rules of origin, regulatory standards, and implementation.
Stronger India-Japan MSME collaboration can boost electronics, software exports: ESC India
The bilateral partnership can unlock opportunities for MSMEs in AI, electronics, software exports, and semiconductors, says Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director of ESC India.
Container carriers eye return to Red Sea route
Vessels will now use the shorter route instead of going around Africa. This shift impacts shipping rates and capacity as demand rises.
India-UK FTA takes effect on July 15, but the real test lies beyond tariff cuts
India-UK FTA success depends on improving competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, say industry experts.
Must Watch
Food prices ease in June as focus shifts from war to crops
While this eased immediate fears, attention is now shifting to potential challenges like lower acreage, weaker yields, and adverse weather patterns, including a developing El Niño.
Charting the Global Economy: US hiring slows, eurozone CPI cools
In Asia, Japan's economy is nearing a post-war growth record, buoyed by AI-driven exports, though some Chinese fund managers warn of an AI stock market bubble.
Nepal looks to improve quality, explore new markets after India tightened tea import procedures
Nepal's tea exports to India faced a temporary halt due to stricter testing regulations, prompting a government task force to recommend improving quality and exploring new markets like China, Pakistan, the US, and Europe.
TN govt begins extraction of ammonia gas stored at seafood export factory in Tiruvallur
Investigations into safety lapses are ongoing, with factory owners arrested. The extracted ammonia will be returned to the supplier for disposal or reuse.
Goyal urges states to identify imported goods for domestic manufacturing
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called on states to identify importable products that can be manufactured competitively in India, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce foreign exchange outflow. He also urged for the establishment of export committees and regular reviews to support exporters.
Beyond China, beyond tariffs: India, Japan look to MSMEs to turn strategic ties into factory-floor partnerships
As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits India, industry sees the biggest opportunity not in tariff concessions but in supplier ecosystems, technology transfer, and MSME-to-MSME partnerships that can reshape manufacturing.
