Daily News - Thursday, 3 July 2025
Indonesia seeks ‘predictable policy’ by India on palm oil imports (Financial Express)
Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, has called for more predictable trade policies with India—its largest buyer—amid recent shifts in import duties by India and rising export levies by Jakarta, which raised its crude palm oil duty to 10% in May 2025. In 2023–24, India imported 4.83 million tonnes of palm oil from Indonesia, accounting for over 55% of its total palm oil imports, though overall vegetable oil imports declined by 9% year-on-year to 7.88 million tonnes in the current oil year. With Indonesia targeting 47 million tonnes of palm oil production in 2025 and 25 million tonnes in exports, its envoy emphasised the need for sustained bilateral dialogue to avoid trade disruptions driven by price volatility, climate impacts, and seasonal demand pressures.
India needs to be careful after US-Vietnam deal: Experts (The Economic Times)
Trade experts have urged India to proceed cautiously in its negotiations with the US, especially in light of the recently announced US-Vietnam trade deal that imposes a steep 20% tariff on all Vietnamese goods and a 40% tariff on transshipped items, diverging sharply from earlier 2–10% rates. The new approach, which alters traditional rules of origin, raises concerns for India’s export sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics, which rely heavily on imported components. As Indian negotiators work toward a deal before the July 9 reciprocal tariff deadline, they are firming up safeguards to avoid unintended consequences that could undermine key export segments.
India pushes for social security pacts in all FTAs (The Economic Times)
India is actively pursuing a Social Security Agreement (SSA) with the United States alongside ongoing trade negotiations, aiming to exempt Indian professionals from double social security contributions while preserving their pension rights abroad. This would align with similar pacts India already has with over 20 countries and follows the model included in the recently concluded India-UK trade deal, which grants a three-year exemption for Indian workers in the UK. As India’s social security coverage has significantly expanded over the past decade, the government now plans to integrate SSAs into all future FTAs, offering major benefits to its growing pool of skilled professionals working overseas.
Kolhapuri footwear makes a comeback (The Asian Age)
Indian footwear sellers and artisans are witnessing a surge in demand for traditional Kolhapuri sandals after Prada sparked controversy by showcasing similar designs in Milan without crediting their Indian origins. The backlash on social media, including open letters and viral memes, led to Prada acknowledging the inspiration and committing to collaborate with local Indian manufacturers, giving a boost to the centuries-old craft. Sellers like Parasu Kamble reported a fivefold jump in sales, touching ₹50,000 ($584) in just three days, as the controversy turned into a “Vocal for Local” moment, spotlighting India’s cultural heritage and reviving interest in its struggling artisanal footwear industry.
In third South Asia launch, Starlink now in Sri Lanka (The Hindu)
Starlink has launched its satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, becoming the third South Asian country after Bhutan and Bangladesh to do so, while India remains in regulatory limbo despite granting GMPCS authorisation last month. In India, Starlink still awaits key approvals, including orbital slot assignments from IN-SPACe and spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications, before it can begin services. As the company expands regionally and eyes markets like Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan, its entry into India could significantly boost internet access in underserved and remote areas, especially given India’s vast rural connectivity gap.
