India and the US are progressing towards a trade agreement. The target is before fall 2025. Piyush Goyal highlights India's strong position with existing FTAs with various nations. Discussions are ongoing with the US, EU, Peru, Chile, and Oman for further trade agreements. Goyal notes the world recognizes India's growing economic strength.
This surge is transforming urban logistics, impacting rental dynamics, and expanding into Tier-2 cities. Companies are prioritising speed and location, leading to innovative real estate repurposing and significant growth in the sector.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced revisions to the national e-commerce policy to reflect the sector's rapid evolution. Simultaneously, the retail trade policy is under review due to its interconnectedness with e-commerce. DPIIT has sought input from the National Traders' Welfare Board for the retail policy, aiming to streamline trade, improve ease of business, and promote digitization.
Reliance Industries, under Mukesh Ambani, witnesses a significant shift with consumer ventures like Reliance Retail and Jio now contributing over half of its operating cash profit. Analysts predict substantial EBITDA growth driven by these sectors, leading to positive free cash flow despite ongoing investments.
India’s trade pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—will take effect by September, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The deal includes a $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years.
Indian companies show strong hiring intentions for the July-September quarter, ranking second globally behind the UAE, according to a ManpowerGroup survey. Despite a slight dip from last quarter, hiring outlook is driven by growth in IT, energy, utilities, and financial sectors, fueled by digital transformation and shifts in global trade.
Digital price tags are becoming common in US supermarkets. These tags allow stores to change prices instantly. A study shows that these tags have not caused price increases. Some shoppers and lawmakers are worried about potential price manipulation. Walmart and Kroger are expanding the use of digital labels. Companies say these labels save time and offer useful information.
Piyush Goyal will visit Switzerland and Sweden this week. He will meet business leaders to discuss trade and investments. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Discussions will cover sectors like pharma, engineering, and high-tech manufacturing. Goyal will also explore opportunities from the India-EFTA agreement. In Sweden, he will co-chair a joint commission.
Recent data has revealed a significant increase in job openings in tier-2 cities, with hiring rates more than doubling those in metropolitan areas. The Randstad Talent Insights Report 2025 highlights key sectors such as BFSI, manufacturing, retail, and IT driving this trend.
China's exports saw a 4.8% year-on-year increase in May, while imports decreased by 3.4%, according to customs data released on Monday. These figures come amidst ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States. Despite previous tariffs, exports had shown surprising growth in April, but trade disputes persist over issues like rare earth exports and chip technology.
India attracts significant foreign investment. Gross FDI inflows increased to $81 billion in FY2024-25. Net FDI moderated, signaling a maturing economy. ECBs and non-resident deposits also saw higher inflows. Despite FPI outflows, India's external buffers remain strong with substantial foreign exchange reserves. The current account deficit is contained.
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