Trade Watch
Trade Watch
TRADE WATCH
QUARTERLY
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Executive Summary
The impact of international trade on development outcomes have intensified as it
has been proven that cross border trade is correlated with rising living standards and
poverty reduction1.
India’s trade landscape is rapidly evolving in response to global challenges and
opportunities. In this context, the Trade Watch Quarterly Report Q1’FY25 offers a
comprehensive analysis of India’s trade performance, assessing trade dynamics,
identifying potential sectors and key markets while also analysing the impact of
geopolitical tensions.
India’s total trade in H1 2024 reached $576 billion. However, the current account
balance shifted to a $9.7 billion deficit (1.1% of GDP) this quarter from US$ 8.9 billion
(1% of GDP) in Q1’FY24, driven largely by a widening merchandise trade deficit2.
The report highlights the resilience of India’s aggregate trade performance, which
depicts stability and a modest y-o-y increase. Imports in this quarter were primarily
driven by mineral fuels and electrical machinery, accounting for about 56%, while
exports mainly consist of mineral fuels and natural & cultured pearls, making up
approximately 45% with trade to top markets (15 countries) remaining stable.
India exhibits Trade Intensity Index (TII) score of greater than 1 with 84 countries
which accounted for 67% of its exports in 2023. Moreover, India shows a comparative
advantage (RCA > 1) in 43 commodities—representing 40% of global imports —which
constitute 68.2% of its goods export portfolio. The report also analyses commodities at
the HS-6 level to provide insights into potential product markets.
Finally, it identifies geopolitical opportunities and challenges posed to India’s trade
and particularly examines the potential impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment
Mechanism (CBAM).
1 https://www.wto.org/english/blogs_e/data_blog_e/blog_dta_24apr24_e.htm#:~:text=Increased%20trade%20
has%20coincided%20with,17%20to%2032%20per%20cent.
2 https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=58783
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
ADVISORY BOARD
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
HIGHLIGHTS
1. India’s total trade in H1 2024 experienced a 5.45% y-o-y increase compared to 2023.
2. Merchandise imports showed consistent growth, with Q1 FY25 exports rising by
5.95% to $110 billion and imports increasing by 8.40% to $173 billion, leading to a
growing trade imbalance.
3. In Q1 FY25, Indian iron and steel exports experienced a massive decline (33%)
primarily due to weak domestic demand and excess capacity in China which
resulted in an oversupply of steel in the global markets.
4. In Q1 FY25, North America accounted for 21% of India’s exports, followed by the EU
at 18.61%. Imports were largely from Northeast Asia, West Asia (GCC), and ASEAN,
making up 51% of total imports.
5. During Q1 FY25, export growth to FTA partners was notably strong at 12%, while
import growth from these partners was 10.29%.
6. India’s Trade Intensity Index (TII) > 1 with 84 countries, representing 38.82% of
global GDP, and 67% of India’s exports, underscores its strong global trade ties.
7. India shows a comparative advantage (RCA > 1) in 43 commodities—represent 40%
of global import and constitute 68.2% of merchandise exports.
8. In 2023, India’s exports accounted for 1.71% of global imports. It captured only 9.61%
of the most widely demanded commodities, which represent 68% of the global
import basket.
9. In 2023, among 7 emerging economies, India’s share in world exports was better
than its peers in mineral fuels and products, natural and cultured pearls and
pharmaceutical products.
10. Several labour-intensive sectors such as natural and cultured pearls, lac, gums and
resins, manmade filaments and articles of leather have seen a decline in India’s
share in global exports in the recent years as compared to 2015.
11. India’s share in global services exports has more than doubled, reaching
approximately 4.6% in 2023 from 2% in 2005. It accounts for 10.20% of the world’s
services exports in IT services and 7.16% in other business services.
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Contents
1. India’s Trade Analysis������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Global growth is projected to be 3.3% in 20253, slightly higher than previous forecasts
due to unexpected resilience in the US and some large emerging markets. With
growing uncertainty, the analysis of trade performance, composition, direction and
potential sectors has much significance for policy practitioners.
India’s trade performance showed improvement in the first half of 2024 compared
to 2023. In the first half (H1) of 2024, total trade amounted to $576 billion, reflecting a
y-o-y increase of 5.45%. Exports rose by 5.41% y-o-y to reach $231 billion, while imports
grew by 5.48%, reaching $345 billion (Figure 1).
600 5.50%
500 5.48% 5.48%
5.46%
USD Billion
400 5.45%
5.44%
300 5.41% 5.42%
200
5.40%
100 5.38%
0 5.36%
Total Trade Export Import
Jan-Jun 2023 Jan-Jun 2024
Change % (RHS)
5.95% 6%
US $ Billion
30 4% 100
4%
20
2% 50
10 2%
0 0% - 0%
June (EX) June (IM) Q1 (EX) Q1 (IM)
3
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/07/16/world-economic-outlook-update-ju-
ly-2024#:~:text=Global%20growth%20is%20projected%20to,is%20complicating%20monetary%20policy%20
normalization.
1
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
India’s monthly services exports have reached nearly $29 billion, marking a 3.70%
increase in June 2024, while imports, at around $15 billion, declined by 3.80%
compared to 2023. Over the longer term, in Q1 FY25, services exports grew by
10.09% to $89 billion, with imports also rising by 9.09% to $48 billion.
Figure 4: Services Trade (Monthly) Figure 5: Services Trade (Quarterly)
35 6%
3.70% 90 12%
30 10.09%
4% 80
10%
25 70 9.09%
2%
US $ Billion
US $ Billion
60 8%
20 -3.80% 50
0% 6%
15 40
-2% 30 4%
10
20
-4% 2%
5 10
- -6% - 0%
June (EX) June (IM) Q1 (EX) Q1 (IM)
4
I ndia remains a substantial exporter of refined petroleum products and other mineral fuels. The primary
destinations for these exports include the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
As the global energy landscape evolves, India’s trade dynamics in mineral fuels will likely continue to adapt
to both domestic needs and international market conditions. - https://trendeconomy.com/data/h2/India/2
5
https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-analysis/views-and-commentaries/2024/06/steel-smarting.html -
India’s steel exports declined due to China’s dominance in global markets, lowering prices and reducing
export opportunities. On the other hand, Indian steel mills have also adopted a mixed export strategy,
prioritizing the domestic market when prices were favorable, which have also contributed to the drop.
2
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Cereals -6.66%
Pharmaceutical 11.12%
The predominant import sectors include mineral fuels (35%)6, electric machinery
(11%), natural and cultured pearls (10%) and nuclear reactors (8%). The increase
in imports was driven by a significant y-o-y rise of 30.38% in aircraft, spacecraft,
and parts, followed by a 19.60% increase in animal or vegetable fats and oils, and
a 13.96% growth in mineral fuels. On the other hand the imports growth has
remained zero for sectors such as Iron & Steel, Organic chemical and Natural or
cultured pearls.
Figure 8: Composition of Imports
6
In 2024, India’s trade in mineral fuels continues to play a crucial role in its economy. The country imports
significant quantities of mineral fuels, primarily crude oil, coal, and petroleum gases. - https://trendecono-
my.com/data/h2/India/27
7
For the purpose of this analysis, the top 10 commodities, based on their highest share exports/imports
during this quarter, were examined
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Service Exports
As of 2023, India’s share in global services exports has increased significantly,
reaching approximately from 2% in 20058. India accounts for 10.20% of the world’s
service exports in IT services and 7.16% in other business services.
Travel, transport, and financial services constitute 19.23%, 17.08%, and 8.61% of
the global export basket, respectively. However, India’s share in these categories
remains relatively low at 2.12%, 2.17%, and 1.25%, respectively (Figure 10). These
figures suggest there is significant potential for Indian service exporters to
expand their presence in major export markets such as the USA, Germany, the
UK, Ireland, Netherlands, etc. Services exports has provided a pathway for the
post-Covid recovery of India (Figure 11). If intermediate value addition in services
is captured aptly, it can help further strengthen service exports.9
Figure 10: Export share of services
24.62%
Other business services
19.23%
Travel
17.08%
Transport
13.78%
IT Services
8.61%
Financial services
2.83%
Insurance and pension services
Share in World's Service Export 2023 India's share in World's Service Export 2023
Share in India's Export 2023
Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates
8
https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/how-india-services-economy-became-a-world-leader
9
https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ldc2021overview_en.pdf
4
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
220 216.4
200
Index value (2015=100)
180
157.5
160
140 130.0
120 104.5
100
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
India Index World Index
Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates
Q1 FY24 Q1 FY25 y-o-y growth % (RHS) % share in India's exports Q1'FY25 (RHS)
25 100%
20 80%
USD Billion
60%
15
40%
10
20%
5 0%
0 -20%
USA, UAE & Netherlands are the top importers of Indian goods, accounting for
almost 33% of the total merchandise exports (Figure 12). India’s import exposure
to its top markets (China, Russia, UAE, USA, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia)
remained stable, making up nearly 53% of total imports. In Q1 FY25, India recorded
significant y-o-y import growth with Russia (19.69%), UAE (35.67%), and Iraq
(27.64%), compared to Q1 FY24. However, imports saw a decline with Saudi Arabia
(-1.70%), Singapore (-1.93%), and Switzerland (-10.01%). (Figure 13)
10
or the purpose of this analysis, the top 10 destinations were examined based on their export shares in the
F
total exports for this quarter.
5
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Q1 FY24 Q1 FY25 y-o-y growth % (RHS) % share in India's imports Q1'FY25 (RHS)
30 40%
25 30%
USD Billion
20 20%
15 10%
10 0%
5 -10%
0 -20%
Service Export
India’s top export and import destinations for 202112 were the USA, UK and
Singapore. Countries like UAE, Switzerland and Netherlands maintain strong
positions in service exports, reflecting their growing influence on India’s services
trade.
Figure 14: India’s service trade to major destinations, 2021
Total Services Export Total Services Import Share in total service exports 2021 (RHS) Share in total service imports 2021 (RHS)
100 25%
80 20%
USD Billion
60 15%
40 10%
20 5%
0 0%
11
or the purpose of this analysis, the top 10 destinations were examined based on their import shares in the
F
total imports for this quarter.
12
For bilateral service trade latest data available is for the year 2021.
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
East Africa
-8.70%
West Africa 22.74%
NE Asia -6.12%
ASEAN 10.73%
EU Countries 12.33%
The Asian region, particularly Northeast Asia, West Asia (GCC), and ASEAN, is a key
source of India’s imports in Q1 FY25, accounting for nearly 51% of total imports. In
Q1 FY25, imports from East Asia (Oceania), the European Free Trade Association
(EFTA), and the EU contracted, while imports remained strong from ASEAN,
suggesting that FTAs have facilitated more liberalized trade flows.
Figure 16: Region-Wise y-o-y (%) Q’1 Goods Import growth
-19.76%
East Asia (Oceania)
EFTA -9.43%
EU Countries -7.97%
ASEAN 10.87%
NE Asia 7.46%
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
8 80%
60%
6
40%
4 20%
0%
2
-20%
0 -40%
20
20%
USD Billion
15
0%
10
-20%
5
0 -40%
India’s efforts to enhance bilateral FTAs now include a component of the services
sector. Some of the key measures aimed at boosting service exports are as follows:
13
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1921222#:~:text=CEPA%20is%20a%20full%20and,Mo-
hamed%20bin%20Zayed%20Al%20Nahyan.
14
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2013169
15
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1887259
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
84 43
No. of
No. of (Share in (39.73%
138 Commodities = 97 54
Countries (222) world GDP share in world
(HS 2)
~38.82%) imports)
Share in
Share in India’s
India’s Export 67% 33% 68.2% 31.8%
Export
Basket
India shows a relatively strong RCA in IT and other business services (RCA>1). Notably,
other business services and IT services also held substantive shares in World’s service
export in 2023. The expansion in other business services has mainly been fueled by
sectors like business and management consulting, public relations, engineering
services, advertising, trade fair services, and various technical services, including
scientific and space-related services.18
Figure 19: Services: Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) for 2023
3.0 30%
2.40
2.5 24.62% 25%
2.0 1.68 17.08% 19.23% 20%
RCA Share
1.5 15%
13.78%
0.83 0.80 8.61%
1.0 10%
0.51 0.50
0.5 1.44% 0.34 0.29 5%
1.57% 2.83%
0.0 0%
IT Other Construction Personal, Transport Travel Insurance and Financial
business cultural, and pension
recreational
Source: UNCTAD
16
he trade intensity index (TII) is used to determine whether the value of trade between two countries is
T
greater or smaller than would be expected on the basis of their importance in world trade. It is defined as
the share of one country’s exports going to a partner divided by the share of world exports going to the
partner.
17
A country is said to have a revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in a given product i when its ratio of ex-
ports of product i to its total exports of all products exceeds the same ratio for the world as a whole. If RCA
takes a value greater than unity, the country has a revealed comparative advantage in that product.
18
https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
16 50%
45%
12 40%
y-o-y Growth (%)
8
32% 30%
Share (%)
4
21% 20%
0
0<RCA≤1 1<RCA≤2 2<RCA≤4 4<RCA
-4 10%
2%
-8 0%
10
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
India’s Export
India’s export India’s World’s
Number of India’s World’s Share %
Category share in World’s Export Import
6HS items Exports Imports in World’s
import Basket Basket
Import
Category 1 Less than 1% 4,422 41.52 16,005.47 9.61 67.99 0.26
Between 1% -
Category 2 1,389 135.91 5,299.28 31.46 22.51 2.56
5%
Between 5% -
Category 3 384 127.87 1,553.33 29.6 6.6 8.23
10%
Category 4 More than 10% 434 126.68 683.76 29.33 2.90 18.53
Total of the
6,629 431.98 23,541.84 100 100 1.71
above
Source: ITC Trade Map & NITI’s own calculation
Table 3: Mapping of India’s Supply with Leading Exports and their Prime Destinations, 2023
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Mineral Fuels & Products: These products constitute a significant share of exports
from India to the Netherlands. While the Netherlands is a key market for India, it’s also
a major destination for leading exporters like Russia and the USA.
Natural or Cultured Pearls: These products have a significant exports share in total
exports of India to these key markets such as Hong Kong, USA and UAE. However,
Switzerland and Hong Kong also have a solid presence in the same markets, particularly
China. India can focus on expanding its share in the growing Chinese market.
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Electrical machinery & Equipment: India faces stiff competition in this sector, especially
from China, which has a much larger global share and targets similar markets (e.g.,
the USA and UAE).
Nuclear reactors: India is relatively competitive in this high-tech sector, with a
significant export presence in the USA and Germany. However, China remains the
largest global exporter.
Pharmaceutical products: India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical market,
especially in the USA. However, countries like Germany and Switzerland are also key
players, with significant market shares in the USA and other developed nations. India
should leverage its cost-effective pharmaceutical production to capture more global
demand.
Overall, by focusing on technological advancement, strategic market expansion, and
value addition, India can further enhance its global market share in these critical
industries.
Table 4: Comparative assessment of India’s exports with peers in Heavy-weight sectors (HS 2)
Natural &
Cultured 3.7 3.9 0.5 0.9 0.4 2.3 1.7 3.6
pearls
Organic
2.1 3.9 0.4 0.6 1 0.2 0.8 15.7
Chemicals
Minerals fuels
13.6 2.8 1.7 1.9 1.6 0.4 0.3 1.9
& products
Pharmaceuticals
3.6 2.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.4
products
Articles of
1.6 2.6 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.3 1.4 25.8
Iron & Steel
Iron & Steel 2 2.5 3.1 5.6 1.2 1.4 0.3 14.6
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Table 5: India’s Trade with Key Partners: Scope for Strategic Tie-ups
India’s share
Share in
Top Top Partners in total Partner’s
India’s Bila- Bila-
Commodities importing imports share in
total teral teral
in India’s commodity of top India’s
Exports RCA TII
Export Share from India destinations exports (%)
(%)
(%)
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
India’s share
Share in
Top Top Partners in total Partner’s
India’s Bila- Bila-
Commodities importing imports share in
total teral teral
in India’s commodity of top India’s
Exports RCA TII
Export Share from India destinations exports (%)
(%)
(%)
India should look to strengthen partnerships with countries where bilateral TII and
RCA are already high, such as South Africa (pharmaceuticals), Saudi Arabia and Iran
(cereals) and the UAE (multiple sectors). There’s also scope to enhance exports to
major economies like the USA and European countries by focusing on niche markets
and innovative products.
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Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Similarly, challenges in the polyester value chain and anti-dumping duties have
lowered the share for Indian Man-made Fibre (MMF) textiles. India’s share in major
leather export markets has declined due to market instability, stiff competition, and
environmental regulations. Decreased global demand, lower cotton production, and
high prices have reduced the share for Indian cotton exports. Quality control orders and
global economic slowdowns have led to a drop in India’s textiles and apparel exports,
with certification mandates for raw materials and reduced purchasing capacity from
high inflation further impacting this decline.
India's share in world exports' 15 India's share in world exports' 23 Change in India's share (2015 to 2023)- RHS
20% 0%
16% -10%
12% -20%
8% -30%
4% -40%
0% -50%
Natural or cultured
Articles of leather
Man-made staple
Other vegetable
Cotton
Pharmaceutical
Meat and edible meat
Articles of apparel
Articles of apparel
Salt
and clothing
products
accessories
thereof
fibres
pearls
The product categories exhibiting an RCA greater than 1 and significant growth in
international trade are straw, ceramic products, electrical machinery, products of
animal origin and explosives. The export growth of ceramic has been particularly in
tiles due to a surge in shipments of sanitary ware products.21
Figure 22: Product categories- rising share in world trade
India's share in world exports' 15 India's share in world exports' 23 Change in India's share (2015 to 2023)- RHS
8% 600%
500%
6%
400%
4% 300%
200%
2%
100%
0% 0%
Coffee, tea, maté
animal origin
Ceramic products
Silk
Prepared feathers
Explosives
crustaceans
Aluminium and
Mineral fuels
Edible vegetables
articles thereof
Manufactures of
Articles of stone,
Sugars
Products of
Fish and
cement etc.
and spices
& articles
straw
21
ttps://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1819614#:~:text=The%20Union%20Minister%20
h
for%20Commerce,the%20achievement%20in%20a%20Tweet.&text=The%20export%20growth%20of%20
Ceramic,Tiles%20and%20Sanitary%20wares%20products.
16
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
Following the geopolitical turmoil triggered by the war in Ukraine, the global
commodity markets have since experienced a broad based and sustained price
decline throughout 2023 and into 2024. This trend aligns with broader economic
factors, including tightened global monetary conditions, fluctuating demand, and
sector-specific supply dynamics.
The aggregate commodity price index declined by 2.3% from April 2023 to June 2024,
driven primarily by reductions in cereal, coal, and metals prices. The deceleration
in China’s economic rebound, especially in the construction sector, contributed
significantly to the softening demand for industrial metals, leading to a 3.9% decline
in the Metal Index over the same period. The Cereal Index also witnessed a notable
decline, decreasing by 26.4% from April 2023 to June 2024. The increased production
of key grains, particularly maize and soybeans, coupled with continued exports
from the Black Sea region, played a crucial role in this downward trajectory. The coal
price index, which saw a sharp drop from 242.20 in April 2023 to 185.92 in June 2024,
reflected shifting energy demand patterns as countries adjusted their energy policies
in response to evolving market conditions.
By mid-2024, the All-Commodity Index showed modest recovery observed in crude
oil prices, which rose to $200 per barrel in June 2024. However, the overall trend for
commodities in 2024 suggests a continuing moderation, particularly for industrial
metals and energy commodities. Tight global monetary conditions are expected to
persist, further weighing on construction and investment spending, particularly in
China, which continues to grapple with structural challenges in its real estate sector.
(Figure 23)
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
Source: IMF
17
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
120
100
80
60
US $ Billion
40
20
0
Import Export BOT Import Export BOT
-20 2022-23 2023-24
EU EFTA Other EU
Source: MoCI
22
https://www.worldbank.org/en/data/interactive/2023/06/15/relative-cbam-exposure-index#4
18
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
100%
Exports of Products to EU (% of
80%
76.45% 90.92% 98.88% 99.39%
total exports) 60%
40%
20%
23.55% 9.08% 1.12% 0.61%
0%
Iron & Steel Aluminium Fertilizers Cement
11. R
ecent Geopolitical Developments Affecting International
Trade
In 2024, the international trade landscape was heavily influenced by several significant
geopolitical developments. These events not only disrupted global supply chains but
also posed both challenges and opportunities for India’s trade relations.
(i) U.S.-China Tensions and Technology Trade Wars23
The U.S. has implemented stricter export controls and higher tariffs on Chinese goods
to limit China’s growth and expenditure towards technological progress. This has led
to a fragmentation of global supply chains, prompting multinational corporations to
seek alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. The trade war has caused increased costs
and production delays, impacting global markets.
For India, this situation presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one
hand, India has to navigate the disruptions in the global supply chain, and be wary
of China dumping its products in Indian markets. On the other hand, India is seen as
an attractive destination for companies looking to shift their manufacturing bases
out of China. This shift offers India a chance to enhance its domestic manufacturing
capabilities, particularly in high-tech industries. However, India has seen limited
success so far in capturing the China Plus One strategy so far. Vietnam, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Malaysia have become bigger beneficiaries of the strategy. Factors
such as cheaper labour, simplified tax laws, lower tariffs and proactiveness in signing
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have played a critical role in helping these countries
expand their export shares.24
(ii) West Asia Instability and Maritime Security25
The Middle East continues to experience heightened geopolitical tensions, with conflicts
in Syria, Yemen, and the Israel-Hamas situation posing significant risks to global
23
https://www.worldbank.org/en/data/interactive/2023/06/15/relative-cbam-exposure-index#4
24
https://sansad.in/getFile/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/13/174/179_2023_5_12.pdf?-
source=rajyasabha
25
https://sansad.in/getFile/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/13/174/179_2023_5_12.pdf?-
source=rajyasabha
19
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
stability. These tensions have raised concerns about the security of key maritime routes,
particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil
flows. Any disruption in this region could destabilize global energy supplies, leading to
price spikes in crude oil and supply shortages. Additionally, trade routes like the Suez
Canal face the risk of delays and increased costs due to the instability in the region.
For India, the risks are multi-dimensional. A $10 per barrel increase in oil prices is
projected to worsen India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) by 0.5% of GDP, exacerbating
inflationary pressures and further straining trade balances26. India’s dependence on
the Middle East for both energy and agricultural exports makes it vulnerable, with key
markets such as Iran for basmati rice and tea seeing sharp declines.
(iii) Economic Growth in Asia and Its Impact on Trade27
In 2024, Asia’s economic growth had a significant impact on global trade, shaping
regional dynamics. The region is projected to grow by 4.0%, with China leading
the way. China’s economy expanded by 5.2% in 2023, targeting 5% growth in 2024,
driven by fiscal policies such as monetary easing and infrastructure investments that
bolstered its manufacturing sector by 7.7% and merchandise trade by 8.7%. Other
Asian economies experienced mixed outcomes—Indonesia sustained 5.0% growth,
while Japan and South Korea saw slower expansions due to weaker exports and
tighter monetary conditions.
For India, this regional growth backdrop offers both opportunities and challenges.
After achieving 6.7% growth in FY24, India is expected to maintain robust momentum
with 6.5-7% growth in FY25, fuelled by public investment and stronger integration into
global supply chains.28
26
https://www.livemint.com/market/commodities/every-10-rise-in-brent-widens-indias-cad-by-0-5-analysts-
measure-impact-of-high-crude-prices-on-indian-economy-11694868044584.html
27
https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/REO/MCDCCA/2024/Update/January/English/text.ashx
28
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=203497
20
Trade Watch April-June (Q1) FY25
◊ Interest Equalisation Scheme: The scheme extended until September 30, 2024,
only for MSME manufacturing exporters, aims to provide identified exporters a
cheaper source of rupee credit for pre-shipment and post-shipment activities to
improve product competitiveness in international markets.29
◊ The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP): The
scheme extended until September 30, 2024, aims to neutralize taxes and duties
on exported goods. Recent extensions benefits include Special Economic Zones
(SEZs), Advance Authorisation Holders, and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) aimed at
improving supply chain flexibility. 30
◊ Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG): Effective July 25, 2024, the scheme allows
duty-free import of capital goods aimed at building domestic capacity. It includes
an extended period for submitting Installation Certificates for imported capital
goods, a simplified composition fee structure for extending the Export Obligation
(EO) period.31
◊ Trade Facilitation: India scored 93.55% in the 2023 UNESCAP Global Survey on
Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, up from 90.32% in 2021, making it the
top performer in South Asia with a score surpassing that of several developed
countries, including Canada, France, the UK, and Germany.32
◊ 11th India - New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting: Key areas like
hospitality (including adventure tourism), nursing, telemedicine, education, air
connectivity, joint R&D, and startups were highlighted. Service sector trade was
given a special focus, alongside streamlining regulatory and quality checks.34
29
ttps://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/interest-equalisation-scheme-for-exporters-extend-
h
ed-till-september-30/article68605675.ece#:~%20:text=to%20June%2030.-,The%20scheme%20helps%20
exporters%20from%20identified%20sectors%20and%20all%20MSME,post%2Dshi%20pment%20
rupee%20export%20credit.
30
https://www.businessgo.hsbc.com/en/article/rodtep-scheme-benefits-and-requirements-for-indian-ex-
porters
31
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2037378
32
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1938008
33
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2053748
34
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=201940
35
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2041086
21