Archaeologists studying Monte Sierpe in Peru have decoded thousands of small pits once assumed to be ritual or unknown storage features. New findings suggest the holes formed a structured marketplace where goods were placed and measured, functioning as an early accounting system—possibly connected to Inca record-keeping—recasting how ancient Andean trade and economy worked.
The European Union is considering a second one-year delay to its anti-deforestation law, potentially pushing implementation to 2026. Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall pointed to concerns about whether the required IT system is ready. The move comes amid opposition from businesses and trading partners, even after the EU signed a free trade agreement with Indonesia.
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India and New Zealand are set to sign their Free Trade Agreement on Monday, April 27, after negotiations wrapped up last year. The deal is designed to sharply lift bilateral commerce, with both sides aiming to double trade to $5 billion within five years. It is also expected to provide tariff-free access for Indian goods, reshaping market access quickly.
Donald Trump’s administration has pulled commodity dealmaking into the political spotlight, partnering with trading houses for lucrative contracts. For an industry long seen as apolitical, proximity to the White House is becoming a competitive edge. The ripple effects reach global resource flows, pushing firms into uneasy political alignments and reshaping who benefits from supply decisions.
India and Azerbaijan currently maintain a limited but important trade relationship. Now, analysts warn that Azerbaijan’s backing for Pakistan could trigger political fallout that jeopardizes up to USD 780 million in trade linked to energy and related sectors, forcing companies and policymakers to reassess commercial commitments and risk exposure.
More than 100 Indian companies are participating in Singapore’s FHA fair, betting that the city-state can lift India’s currently small 2.6% share of Singapore’s food and beverage imports. Organizers say success in Singapore could open doors across ASEAN, turning the trade hub into a springboard for wider regional expansion.
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Asian countries dependent on imported oil are scrambling as major suppliers impose export restrictions, triggering jet fuel rationing and urgent appeals for international assistance. The immediate impact on air travel underscores a broader vulnerability: when energy flows tighten, trade and daily economic activity can quickly ripple across borders, exposing how fragile current supply chains remain.
The India UK free trade agreement is set to eliminate or slash tariffs on a range of goods and services, opening doors for Indian exporters and potentially reducing costs for buyers in India. Labour-intensive sectors like textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals are expected to benefit most, while imported items may see price relief through lower trade barriers.
EU wheat prices are easing even as Iran war worries continue to hover over grain markets. Traders say Middle East tensions no longer provide the same cost support, while farmers’ reluctance to sell—driven by inflation—keeps supply tight. Import demand from Algeria and Turkey and Morocco’s expected crop rebound are adding further counterweights.
Indian engineering exports are set to end FY26 with a 4.86% rise to $122.4 billion, powered by vehicles, copper and steel. However, March performance faced heavy disruptions as the West Asia crisis interfered with cargo routes, sharply affecting shipments to the UAE and Saudi Arabia and creating uncertainty for near-term trade flows.
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AI-driven demand is helping protect China’s expanding trade from the ripple effects of war-related market shocks, with semiconductors emerging as the key beneficiary. The shift toward AI-powered production and “upcycling” highlights how technology supply chains are absorbing uncertainty, supporting a more stable external trade outlook despite rising global tensions.
Banks have asked the Reserve Bank of India to clarify forward contract rules for forex hedging. They warn that RBI steps designed to curb speculation may unintentionally restrict genuine trade hedges. Corporates, meanwhile, are struggling with payment delays and slower cargo timelines amid ongoing global conflicts, prompting industry groups to escalate concerns to the regulator.
The Trump administration says it will target Chinese companies it accuses of exploiting advanced US-made AI models. The plan focuses on identifying firms that “extract capabilities” from American AI systems and imposing penalties. The move arrives as China narrows the AI gap quickly, while US lawmakers back further protections for domestic technology.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das cautioned that inflation pressures are spreading globally even as trade trends move toward deglobalization. With risks to the global economy rising, multilateral institutions like the IMF have lowered growth projections and flagged recession dangers, raising uncertainty for policymakers and markets alike.
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Coffee farmers in Vietnam’s main growing belt are selling at lower rates as overall trade slows and demand remains thin. Some Indonesian robusta is moving at more competitive premium levels, putting pressure on local pricing. A near-term fertilizer shortage is not yet evident, but concerns are growing if the Iran conflict drags on longer.
Shipping firms are reporting a sharp rise in containers lost overboard this year as more vessels reroute around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope amid Houthi-related risks. The detour exposes ships to hazardous weather, worsening sea conditions and increasing incidents. With more traffic taking the longer route, maritime operators say losses and delays could intensify further.
Indian engineering exports surged past $10 billion in February 2026, recording double-digit growth despite geopolitical tensions and global economic slowdown. Shipments gained momentum across key destinations, with China emerging as a standout market as volumes doubled. Strong performance was also seen in other major regions including Saudi Arabia and the UK, helping sustain the export rebound.
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