Daily Shipping Times

18/02/2025

India's trade with the US has seen remarkable growth in January 2025, with exports rising by 39% year-on-year to USD 8.44 billion and imports growing by 33.46% to USD 3.57 billion, according to the Commerce Ministry data.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/QCWNc

Cumulatively, India's exports to the US from April to January increased by 8.95%, reaching USD 68.46 billion, compared to USD 62.84 billion in the same period last fiscal year.

Over the 2021-24 period, the US was India's largest trading partner, and in 2023-24, bilateral trade amounted to a staggering USD 119.71 billion, consisting of USD 77.51 billion in exports and USD 42.19 billion in imports—yielding a trade surplus of USD 35.31 billion for India.

NEW DELHI : India’s exports to the US rose by 39 per cent year-on-year to USD 8.44 billion in January, […]

18/02/2025

India's merchandise trade deficit widened to nearly $23 billion in January 2025, compared to $16.5 billion last year, due to a drop in exports amid global economic uncertainties. Exports contracted by 2.4%, reaching $36.43 billion, while imports surged 10% to $59.4 billion. This increase was driven by gold, electronic goods, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, and vegetable oil imports.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/1zNxn

Despite the widening trade deficit, the gap is lower than the $25.9 billion monthly average seen in Q3FY25, offering some optimism. Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, notes the rise in non-oil exports as a positive sign amid the challenges in the oil sector.

New Delhi - India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to nearly $23 billion in January, compared with $16.5 billion a year […]

18/02/2025

⭐ Gujarat Star Awards 12th Edition celebrates excellence in the Maritime & Logistics Industry in a grand manner.⭐ Know More 🔗 https://shorturl.at/xso64

GANDHIDHAM: The prestigious Gujarat Star Awards 12th Edition concluded successfully at Hotel Radisson, Kandla on 14th February, 2025 bringing together an August gathering of 500+ Dignitaries including Industry Stalwarts & Leaders, Senior Bureaucrats from Ports & Customs, Trade Experts and Key Stakeholders from the Maritime and Logistics sector under one roof. 🚢 🚛 ⚓ Organised & Managed by – serving the Trade since 1960, 12th Edition once again set a benchmark for Industry recognition and Thought Leadership, paving the way for future advancements in Logistics and Maritime excellence 🚀

It was an Honour to welcome Smt. Malti Maheshwari, MLA, Gandhidham as Chief Guest & Shri M. Ram Mohan Rao, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Kandla graced the Awards Ceremony as the Special Guest.

An Insightful Panel Discussion on “Logistics Possibilities to Lead India’s Growth into Amritkaal 2047" was Moderated by Moderated by Mr. Umesh Grover, Secretary General of Cocoon Foundation For Substance Abuse,Inc-CFSAI and the panel featured eminent Trade Experts:-
⭐ Capt.J.S. Gill, - India Agency, X-Press Feeders, Agent : Sea Consortium Shipping India Pvt. Ltd.,
⭐ Dr.Pramod Sant, - IMC,
⭐ Mr. Sandeep Rajwanshi, PSA Ameya (Mundra), PSA India
⭐ Mr. Xerrxes Master, Master Group of Companies & AMTOI - Association Of Multimodal Transport Operators of India
⭐ Mr. Raju Anthony, Chief Operating Officer, Abrao Group,
⭐ Mr. Dushyant Mulani, FFFAI - Federation of Freight Forwarders Association in India & Khimji Poonja Freight Forwarders Pvt.
⭐ Mr. Harsh Lapsia - U M Khona and Co,

They shared valuable insights into the transformative role of logistics in India’s economic future.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
* Velji Dosabhai & Sons Pvt. Ltd. for their incredible 100 years
* KAUSHALI INTERNATIONAL & Tristar Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd for their 25 years
* Late Shri Tushar Anam, V ARJOON SHIPPING LIMITED was honoured for his remarkable contributions to the Industry
* Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Vinod Kumar Sethi

12th Edition Gujarat Star Awards was a night of Celebration and Recognition. A platform to inspire innovation, collaboration, & excellence. The event was a dual celebration, with commemorating its 31st Founder’s Day in the Gujarat region. The grand evening was a testament to the 65 Years of Legacy of Daily Shipping Times & strong Industry Relations. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Ms. Nish*ta Modi, expressing gratitude to all Partners, Sponsors, & Attendees for their unwavering support in making the 12th Edition of Gujarat Star Awards a resounding success. 🎉

17/02/2025

A major achievement for India's agricultural exports, as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and KayBee Group of Companies, successfully completed the first-ever commercial sea shipments of Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia!

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/ZQvxK

This milestone follows the February 2024 signing of a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for pomegranate exports to Australia. After a successful air shipment in July 2024, the sea shipment commenced on December 6, 2024, delivering 5.7 MT of premium pomegranates from Maharashtra's Solapur region to Sydney by January 13, 2025. Another shipment with 6.56 tons of Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane on January 6, 2025.

APEDA Chairman Mr. Abhishek Dev highlighted the growth of India’s agricultural exports, noting a 29% surge in fresh fruit exports year-on-year and a 20% growth in pomegranate exports alone, demonstrating India's ability to meet international market demands.

New Delhi - In a significant milestone for India's agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority […]

17/02/2025

At the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar highlighted the Indian Ocean's role as a global lifeline, emphasizing the need for stability, security, and cooperation in the face of rising tensions in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/KMOUf

🔹 India’s Commitment to Regional Security: From tackling piracy to ensuring swift naval deployments during crises, India continues to be a dependable maritime partner.
🔹 Enhancing Connectivity: Key projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMTT), and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) are strengthening regional links.
🔹 Maritime Surveillance & Safety: India is bolstering coastal security through radar networks, White Shipping agreements, and digital communications with partner nations.

Muscat - Emphasizing the critical need for stability in the Indian Ocean region amidst growing tensions in West Asia and […]

17/02/2025

At Bharat Tex 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a game-changing milestone—India’s annual textile exports have touched Rs 3 lakh crore, with an ambitious goal of Rs 9 lakh crore by 2030.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/sxsAo

Key Takeaways:
🔹 7% Growth in textile and apparel exports last year
🔹 Now ranks as the 6th largest textile and apparel exporter globally
🔹 11% Contribution to India's manufacturing sector

Modi emphasized that this success stems from a decade of consistent efforts and policies, positioning Bharat Tex as a mega global textile event. He reiterated his vision of farm, fibre, fabric, fashion, and foreign, transforming India's textile industry into a global powerhouse.

New Delhi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India’s annual textile exports have reached Rs 3 lakh crore, […]

17/02/2025

Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has flagged off India’s first Road Train in Nagpur, marking a game-changing moment in the country’s logistics sector!

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/FnevV

Developed by Volvo Trucks India and operated by Delhivery, this pioneering long-haul transportation solution brings 50% more cargo capacity than standard semi-trailers. The Volvo FM 420 4X2 Road Train—certified by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India and Automotive Research Association of India - ARAI—will operate between Delhivery hubs in Nagpur and Bhiwandi, optimizing freight efficiency.

Speaking on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, highlighted how the Road Train aligns with India’s logistics transformation and the Gati Shakti master plan. Suraj Saharan, Co-founder & Chief People’s Officer, Delhivery, emphasized that this innovation is a natural progression in their journey toward high-efficiency, sustainable logistics.

NAGPUR : Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, flagged off India’s first Road Train in Nagpur. Developed by Volvo Trucks and operated by Delhivery, […]

16/02/2025

Stay up to date on the latest news in shipping, logistics, and commerce-

Watch our latest reel now - https://youtube.com/shorts/Z4yLHMFr6AA?feature=share

From GSA 2025, Arkas Line launching the new “India Med Service” in Mumbai to BPCL & SCI revolutionizing the domestic Maritime & Energy Sector, CONCOR expanding its green fleet with 50 LNG trucks, and more!

Get all the important updates in less than 3 minutes—not too long, insightful and direct.

Stay up to date on the latest news in shipping, logistics, and commerce-From GSA 2025, Arkas Line launching the new “India Med Service” in Mumbai to BPCL & S...

13/02/2025

Just as China dominates India's electronics market, the United States plays a crucial role in fueling India's love for almonds and pistachios.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/wpeS3

In 2023, a staggering 93% of India’s $1 billion almond imports came from the US, while 84% of pistachio imports had American origins.

“Consumers are prioritizing healthier choices, and the industry is actively promoting these products,” says Sumit Saran, India representative of American Pistachio Growers - India and Washington Apples - India. With American varieties dominating organized retail and online marketplaces, India has now become the largest market for California almonds.

New Delhi - The United States supplies a significant portion of India's almonds and pistachios, mirroring China's dominance in electronics. […]

13/02/2025

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has terminated its anti-dumping investigation into Chinese fasteners, citing insufficient evidence of dumping and injury to domestic industries.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/Rrs08

These fasteners—ranging from screws and bolts to industrial staple pins and cable clip nails—are widely used across construction, automotive, and other sectors.

The probe, initiated suo-motu in September 2023, was an attempt to protect Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,Government of India producers who lacked the procedural know-how to file a formal complaint. However, the DGTR stated that due to lack of required data, it could not establish a case for anti-dumping measures.

New Delhi - The Commerce Ministry investigation arm DGTR has terminated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of Chinese fasteners, […]

13/02/2025

The Income Tax Bill 2025 is set to bring a major boost for Indian shipping companies with its expansion of the Tonnage Tax scheme. This game-changing proposal extends tax benefits to inland vessels—a sector previously excluded—under special provisions for shipping companies.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/fQVBb

Rakesh Singh, Secretary, ICC Shipping Association, called it a "major change" that will synergize businesses of companies operating both ships & inland vessels.

Announcing the move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the scheme—currently for sea-going ships—will now extend to inland vessels, boosting the sector’s growth potential.

New Delhi - Domestic shipping companies stand to gain from the expansion of tonnage tax scheme proposed in the new […]

13/02/2025

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal announced at Invest Karnataka 2025 - Global Investors Meet in Bengaluru that the government is gearing up to introduce new policies to boost India’s toy and footwear manufacturing sectors.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/0i380

With India making strides in self-reliance, these upcoming policies aim to solidify the country’s position as a global leader in these industries.

Beyond toys and footwear, the government continues to push for high-tech manufacturing with:
🔹 ₹2 lakh crore allocated under the PLI scheme
🔹 ₹74,000 crore for the Semicon Mission

Bengaluru: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, announced that the government will soon introduce new policies to further promote […]

13/02/2025

With over 45 crore devotees attending since January 13, and 50 lakh taking a dip at Triveni Sangam just on February 11, Prayagraj is witnessing unprecedented congestion.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/WFhNq

Some roads are seeing jams extending 10-12 km, and travel time from nearby cities has tripled or quadrupled. In just the last three days, 15 lakh vehicles have entered the city, making Sangam Ghat and other routes nearly impassable.

Amidst the chaos, Adani Group and ISKCON have come together to serve Mahaprasad to stranded devotees and security personnel tirelessly managing the crowds. With 2,500 volunteers, this daily Mahaprasad Seva will continue until the Mela concludes on February 26.

Prayagraj - As lakhs of devotees gather at the Maha Kumbh Mela, roads in Prayagraj have become major choke points. […]

12/02/2025

The Indian government has identified 20 key countries—Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, the US, and others—and six focus sectors in commodities and services to enhance exports, Department of Commerce, GoI Shri Jitin Prasada informed Parliament.

Read more - https://shorturl.at/XdA7C

To support this vision, a recent meeting with the commercial wings of Indian Missions in these key countries focused on strengthening multilateral trade collaboration, eliminating logistical barriers, and uncovering emerging market opportunities. Key strategies include the launch of a Data Analytics Portal and the E-connect Portal, both aimed at empowering Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,Government of India (SMEs) with critical market insights and easier access to global markets.

Additionally, the government is championing the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative to help farmers improve product branding, boost market access, and drive export growth for better livelihoods.

On the startup front, the Startup India initiative continues to thrive with 1,57,706 recognized startups as of December 31, 2024. However, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) also reported that 5,063 startups were categorized as closed (dissolved/struck-off) by the end of last year.

NEW DELHI : The government has identified 20 countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, and France, and six focus sectors […]

12/02/2025

India is actively exploring options to increase the purchase of specialized steel from the USA as a strategic move in response to the proposed Trump tariffs.

Read more: https://rb.gy/0zcxgy

The Steel Ministry is in talks with the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) to expedite investigations into alleged Chinese steel dumping and the rerouting of steel from Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries like Korea and Vietnam.

As the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel, India already imports a significant amount of stainless steel, with imports rising 23% year-on-year to 7.5 million tonnes from April to December. Steel exports, however, have fallen by 25%. With China, Korea, and Japan being the largest exporters to India, the government is also considering safeguard duties to protect domestic industry from cheap Chinese steel flooding the market.

Though India is largely self-sufficient in defense sector steel, the focus is shifting toward specialized steel imports from the US to foster stronger trade relations. The US is the third-largest steel producer globally, and India is already a major exporter of stainless steel to the US. However, the cost of US imports has led to hesitancy in tapping into this market.

In response to the evolving trade dynamics, India is focusing on diversifying steel exports and ramping up domestic consumption, particularly as infrastructure projects accelerate.

NEW DELHI : India is weighing its options to increase purchase of specialised steel – items not made in the country – […]

12/02/2025

Gujarat has seen a remarkable rise in the export of pulses, guar gum, and dairy products, with pulse exports reaching 2,47,789 tonnes from April to January—double last year’s figures, according to an Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority report.

Read more: https://rb.gy/8vbk3o

This growth is further fueled by a favorable dollar value and the state's commitment to increasing pulse cultivation.

With World Pulses Day celebrated on February 10, India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, continues to prioritize self-sufficiency in varieties like tur, urad, and lentils. The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has reinforced this vision, and Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s goal of enhancing self-reliance in this sector.

Gujarat leads in pulse productivity, with impressive yields for tur (1,163 kg/hectare) and gram (1,699 kg/hectare). It also ranks fifth for moong and urad, reflecting the state’s diverse pulse cultivation, including gram, moong, urad, moth, tur, and more.

Thanks to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, Gujarat has seen a surge in pulse cultivation, with the total area under pulses growing from 6.62 lakh hectares in 2018-19 to 13.10 lakh hectares in 2022-23. Production has nearly tripled, with significant growth in gram, moong, moth, and urad.

This achievement marks a significant step towards ensuring India’s self-sufficiency and global leadership in pulses.

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat recorded a substantial rise in the export of pulses, guar gum, and dairy products from April of last […]

11/02/2025

In a significant move, the government has banned the export of raw human hair priced below $65 per kg, shifting its trade policy from "restricted" to "prohibited." However, exports above this price threshold remain unrestricted, as per a recent notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Read more: https://shorturl.at/tI8oc

This decision follows reports of rampant smuggling to Myanmar and China, impacting local industries and exports. West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu serve as key hubs for India's human hair trade, competing with China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar in the global market.

NEW DELHI : The government recently imposed export ban on raw human hair if the prices are below $65 per […]

11/02/2025

Gold smuggling in India has seen a sharp decline since July 2024, following the government's decision to slash import duty on the precious metal from 15% to 6%, according to Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/oeFG2

Key Insights:
🔹 DRI & Customs remain vigilant at airports, porous borders & commercial cargo routes to curb smuggling.
🔹 The eastern borders with Bangladesh & Myanmar have emerged as hotspots for illicit gold movement.
🔹 As per DRI’s Smuggling in India Report (Dec 2023), India continues to be a major destination for illicit gold imports, with sources primarily from the UAE & Saudi Arabia.

NEW DELHI : Gold smuggling has reduced significantly since July 2024 when the government slashed import duty on the precious metal to 6%, Central […]