#import duty from China to India

[seairexim]

Import from China to India: Trends, Costs, Key Players Insights

India and China, two of Asia’s largest economies, share a dynamic trade relationship shaped by evolving policies, market demands, and global economic trends. Imports from China to India play a pivotal role in fueling key industries, ranging from electronics and machinery to textiles and pharmaceuticals. As the landscape of global trade continues to shift, understanding the nuances of import charges, processes, and major players is critical for businesses looking to optimize their trade strategies in 2024-2025.

In this article, we explore the trends in import from China to India, provide insights into import charges, and highlight the role of Chinese importers in India's market.

The Landscape of Imports from China to India

China remains India's largest trading partner, with imports accounting for over $90 billion annually. In 2024-2025, the demand for Chinese goods is expected to grow, driven by India's need for affordable machinery, electronics, and raw materials.

Top Categories of Imports from China

Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, and components continue to dominate this category.

Machinery: Industrial equipment and tools are key imports, essential for India's manufacturing sector.

Pharmaceutical Intermediates: India heavily relies on Chinese Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for its healthcare industry.

Consumer Goods: Toys, textiles, and household products are other significant imports.

Emerging Trends

Shift Towards Green Technologies: India is increasingly importing solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries from China to support its renewable energy goals.

Focus on Raw Materials: With domestic production on the rise, there’s a surge in the import of raw materials like metals and chemicals.

E-Commerce Influence: The rise of online retail platforms has boosted the import of consumer electronics and small gadgets.

Import Charges from China to India

Import charges from China to India encompass various components, making it crucial for businesses to calculate total landed costs.

Key Components of Import Costs

Basic Customs Duty (BCD): The standard duty rate depends on the product category, ranging from 0% to 28%.

Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST): Levied on imported goods, the IGST varies based on the product's HSN code.

Social Welfare Surcharge: A 10% surcharge on the total customs duty.

Freight and Insurance: Costs for shipping the goods from China to Indian ports.

Handling Charges: Terminal and container handling charges add to the overall cost.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Bulk Shipments: Importing in larger quantities reduces per-unit freight costs.

Negotiation with Suppliers: Establishing long-term relationships with Chinese exporters can lead to favorable pricing.

Optimizing Logistics: Choosing efficient shipping routes and trusted freight forwarders can minimize delays and expenses.

The Role of Chinese Importers in India

Chinese importers and exporters play a significant role in facilitating trade between the two nations. Their networks, expertise, and presence in India streamline the import process for businesses.

Key Contributions of Chinese Importers

Local Representation: Many Chinese companies have set up offices in India to provide after-sales support and faster delivery.

Distribution Channels: Established networks ensure products reach Indian consumers efficiently.

Technical Assistance: For machinery and electronics, Chinese importers offer installation and maintenance services.

Leading Chinese Importers in India

Here are the leading Chinese importers in India:

Xiaomi: Dominating the smartphone market with affordable and high-quality devices.

Huawei: A major player in telecommunications and networking equipment.

BYD: Expanding its footprint in India's electric vehicle market.

Challenges Faced by Chinese Importers

Despite their influence, Chinese importers face hurdles such as regulatory restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and competition from domestic manufacturers. However, in 2024-2025, efforts are underway to address these challenges and foster smoother trade relations.

Future Outlook: Imports from China to India in 2024-2025

The future of imports from China to India is shaped by both opportunities and challenges.

Opportunities

Technological Advancements: Importing advanced machinery and renewable energy technologies can aid India’s development goals.

Cost-Effectiveness: Chinese products remain competitive in pricing, offering value to Indian consumers and businesses.

Increased Collaboration: Bilateral talks and trade agreements may ease regulatory barriers.

Challenges

Geopolitical Tensions: Political factors may influence trade policies, creating uncertainties for businesses.

Domestic Competition: The Indian government’s push for self-reliance through the ‘Make in India’ initiative could reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Stringent Regulations: Importers must stay updated on changing compliance requirements to avoid disruptions.

Conclusion

Importing from China to India continues to be a cornerstone of India's trade ecosystem, offering businesses access to affordable and diverse products. Understanding the complexities of import charges, leveraging the expertise of Chinese importers, and staying attuned to emerging trends can help businesses thrive in the evolving market landscape of 2024-2025.

As both nations navigate their trade relationship amidst changing global dynamics, businesses must adopt strategic approaches to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. With the right planning and execution, imports from China can remain a vital contributor to India's growth story.

[indira-securities]

Steel Stocks Surge as India Imposes 12% Import Duty to Curb Cheap Steel Influx

In a significant move to protect its domestic steel industry, the Indian government has imposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on certain steel imports. This decision, effective from April 21, 2025, aims to counter the surge of inexpensive steel imports, primarily from China, South Korea, and Japan, which have been impacting local manufacturers.

Background: Rising Imports and Domestic Challenges

India, the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, has faced a substantial increase in steel imports over the past year. In the fiscal year 2024/25, finished steel imports reached a nine-year high of 9.5 million metric tons, marking the second consecutive year where imports outpaced exports. This influx, especially of low-cost steel, has pressured domestic producers, leading some smaller mills to scale down operations and consider job cuts.

Government’s Response: Safeguard Duty Implementation

Responding to these challenges, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended a 12% safeguard duty on specific steel products for 200 days. The Ministry of Finance acted on this recommendation, implementing the duty to provide immediate relief to domestic producers. The duty targets various steel products, including hot-rolled coils, sheets, plates, cold-rolled coils, and color-coated sheets. Notably, imports priced above certain thresholds are exempt to ensure fair competition.

Market Reaction: Steel Stocks on the Rise

The stock market responded positively to the announcement. Major steel companies saw their shares surge in early trading on April 22: • Tata Steel: Up by 2.6% to ₹142.85 (Latest in Tata Steel stock news: investors see renewed confidence following the safeguard duty.) • SAIL: Increased by 2.5% (SAIL share price reflects strong investor sentiment amid government support.) • Jindal Stainless: Rose by 2.5% • Jindal Steel and Power: Gained 1.9% (JSPL stock update: bullish trend driven by hopes of reduced import competition.) • NALCO: Advanced by 1.6% to ₹163.90

The Nifty Metal index also climbed, marking its sixth consecutive gain, reflecting investor confidence in the sector’s prospects following the duty imposition.

Industry Perspectives: Support and Concerns

Industry leaders have welcomed the government’s decision. T. V. Narendran, CEO & MD of Tata Steel, stated, “Unchecked imports threaten domestic manufacturing, employment, and future investments. This decision will help restore fair competition and ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.”

However, some concerns have been raised by downstream industries. MSME exporters in the engineering sector fear that increased raw material costs due to the duty could impact their competitiveness in international markets.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Protection and Growth

The safeguard duty is a strategic move to bolster India’s steel industry against unfair trade practices. While it offers immediate relief to domestic producers, the government must also address the concerns of downstream industries to ensure a balanced approach that promotes both protection and growth.

Sources: • Reuters, “India to put 12% temporary tariff on steel to curb cheap China imports,” April 21, 2025. • Economic Times, “Metal stocks surge up to 3% as India imposes 12% safeguard duty on steel imports for 200 days,” April 22, 2025. • S&P Global, “India imposes 12% safeguard duty on flat steel imports for 200 days,” April 21, 2025. • Moneycontrol, “India imposes 12% safeguard duty on some steel products to curb cheap China imports,” April 21, 2025. • Livemint, “From Tata Steel, SAIL to JSW Steel— metal stocks rise 1-2%. Here’s why,” April 22, 2025.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

For more information, visit https://www.indiratrade.com/

[lemurchick]

Another 'wonderful news' from Russia for your consideration! This week, the BRICS forum on traditional values took place in Moscow. And it was fucking insane.

In short, the opening meeting was BRICS countries representatives verbally jerking off on how well they oppress or plan to oppress their people especially women. The only person who bothered to contradict this narrative was Egyptian female writer Doha Mustafa Assy.

I will translate some quotes from the russian article. https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/7311174

Russia: "At some point the roles for women have begun to change towards independence and self-sufficiency. We, of course, love and respect our women very much, but we want them to pay more attention to their families, men and children. We do not want them to strive for business, politics, economics, power, or culture. <...> The main traditional value is the preservation of natural purpose, where a woman continues the family line and a man inspires her to give birth to children."

Pakistan: "Any traditional religion upholds and promotes social values and traditions. No father would want to harm his family. No mother would want to break up or disintegrate her family. This <rejection of family values> is deliberately imposed on us and promoted by some power circles”

Ethiopia: "In our country it is traditionally women who do the cooking, teaching children and other family duties. So the man's role is not as big as the woman's, and this tradition gives the man the freedom to behave like a child." (?????)

Uganda: [This country experience is “extremely important to the discussion of legislative protection of religious values,” emphasized russian politician Dmitry Kuznetsov, referring to the fact that in Uganda same-sex relations are prohibited, and in some cases violators face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.] “We did this to make sure that the country would be preserved. I would encourage countries to behave in such a way that the culture that exists in each country is not imposed on others.” btw Brazil and South Africa representatives didn't say a word here even though their countries legalized same-sex mafrriage years ago.

Brazil: "Marriage in no longer a goal for our citizens and the country has the highest divorce rate in history. Meanwhile, children are most often left with their mothers, with fathers unwilling to take part in their upbringing. As a result, many Brazilian boys are growing up without a father figure and 9% of male inmates in prisons don't even know their father's name. Shifting the balance in favor of women leads to the fact that the position of feminism is growing, and the number of people who identify as LGBT people is growing.” At the end of his speech, he marveled, “This is my first time in Russia, and I didn't know you guys were so conservative. I'm so happy, it's so impressive!” He also admitted that “the people of Brazil know nothing about Russia,” and Dmitry Kuznetsov promised: “We will come to you and tell you all about our saving conservatism.”

Egypt: As I mentioned in the beginning the only person who actively argued against this trend was Doha Mustafa Assy. She said: "We on the contrary has a struggle against patriarchy. Tradition and religion are not on women's side, they help men. A lot of women in Egypt ask for divorce only because they feel like slaves at home. He (the husband) has the right not to let her leave the house according to tradition. BRICS is India, it's China, it's Russia, it's Egypt. We are very different. And maybe what you are trying to do in Russia has already became a problem for us”.

To be honest I don't know what will come out of this forum. Maybe it's just empty posturing, maybe BRICS countries just sent people who had free time on their hand here as a formality. But I despair reading these quotes; twenty years ago we sent a singing duet posing as lesbians to Eurovision; ten years ago I was watching lesbian drama Blue Is the Warmest Colour in a full theater. Soviet Union gave women some attempt in an equal rights in fucking 1917 and we were the first country to send a woman in space. What happened? How has it turned this way? We are now friends with some of the most patriarchal countries in the world and with fucking North Korea. They are planning to remove the Taliban's terrorist status.

What the hell.

[thetimesofindia]

Advantage India! As West moves away from China & Bangladesh, India’s apparel exports see big growth; $120 billion US market biggest opportunity

India's apparel exports are experiencing robust growth, driven by Western buyers seeking alternatives to Bangladesh and China. A significant 11.3% year-on-year increase in May signals a recovery from post-pandemic stagnation. Duty advantages over China and political instability in Bangladesh are further fueling this surge,

India is fast emerging as an alternate destination for reliable apparel sourcing for buyers in the West, as they move away from Bangladesh and China. India's garment exports maintained robust growth, showing an 11.3% year-on-year increase in May, according to data from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).This export growth provides relief to India's apparel sector, which experienced two consecutive years of difficulties following the pandemic. In the US market, India's share stands at $10 billion, whilst China maintains a $30 billion share.Buyers from developed countries are encouraging Indian manufacturers to increase production capacity and obtain necessary certifications. This push comes as India stands to benefit from duty advantages over China, resulting from reciprocal tariffs implemented during the Donald Trump administration.Advantage IndiaThe sector witnessed significant growth following political instability after Sheikh Hasina's government was removed in Bangladesh last August, according to an ET report. Export figures rose by 17.3% in September, followed by a 24.35% increase in October.Also Read | ‘Dramatic decline…watch out…’: China’s exports to US dip sharply amid Trump trade war; why India needs to be on the guard"There was a fall in India's apparel exports after Covid, as consumers bought fewer newer clothes due to excess purchases made during the Covid period.There was a period of stagnation or degrowth for about two years post Covid," said Sanjay K Jain, chairman, National Textile Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce.The apparel sector began showing signs of improvement after the political changes and unrest in Bangladesh. Industry experts noted that due to the continuous nature of apparel production, buyers seek stability in their supply chains.Bangladesh's apparel sector has substantial manufacturing capabilities, enabling them to fulfil large orders quickly, which differs from Indian manufacturers.Also Read | Big win! China companies now exporting ‘Made in India’ smartphones & electronics to US, West Asia; notable shift for Chinese brandsThe export growth is expected to continue for Indian manufacturers due to duty advantages compared to China. "There is a big window of opportunity for Indian apparel exporters. The $120 billion US market is the biggest opportunity. All we need is to get the raw material at competitive rates," said Jain.Whilst apparel exports continue to rise, raw cotton imports are increasing as domestic prices exceed international rates. The projected cotton imports for India in 2024-25 are set to more than double compared to the previous year.The Cotton Association of India reports that the nation's cotton imports are expected to reach 3.3 million bales of 170 kilograms each in 2024-25, an increase from 1.52 million bales in the previous year.

[mariacallous]

The days of a T-shirt costing less than a cup of coffee may be numbered In a move that rattled global fashion supply chains and stock markets in April, the United States slapped sweeping tariffs on textile imports from key manufacturing hubs in Asia. Cambodia saw duties surge to 49 percent, Vietnam 46 percent, Bangladesh 37 percent, and India 27 percent. China was hit with a 145 percent tariff. Although the tariffs have been placed on a 90-day pause, the textile sector faces an additional regulatory blow.

As part of the new global tariff package unveiled on what he called “liberation day,” President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the long-standing duty-free exemption for low-cost goods from China and Hong Kong. China is the world’s largest textile and garment manufacturer; in 2024, it exported approximately $18.39 billion worth of apparel to the United States, representing about 22 percent of total U.S. apparel imports. The so-called “de minimis” rule had allowed packages under $800 to enter the U.S. without taxes, tariffs, or significant inspection. While the executive order changing the rule has the supposed objective to stem the shipments of synthetic opioids from China to the United States, the exemption has been widely used by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu to ship cheap e-commerce goods to the U.S. at minimal cost. Packages will now be subject to a tariff rate of 54 percent. As a result, U.S. consumers are likely to see significant price increases on clothing and footwear this year.

Following the U.S. policy, the European Union this month proposed a €2 flat fee on each small package shipped directly to consumers, mainly targeting low-cost imports from Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein. The fee aims to offset the costs of customs checks and contribute to the EU budget, as over 90 percent of the 4.6 billion packages imported annually come from China.

Meanwhile, other textile and garment manufacturers across South Asia and Southeast Asia are grappling with the unpredictability of shifting tariff regimes, a volatile trade environment, and the question of what happens after Trump’s 90-day pause.. In Bangladesh, where ready-made garments account for over 80 percent of export earnings, the impact is especially severe. The U.S. has imposed a 37 percent reciprocal tariff, up from the previous 15 percent, on Bangladeshi imports, nearly all of which are garments and worth around $8.4 billion annually. If this steep tariff hike is enforced after the grace period, it could jeopardize the livelihoods of over 4 million workers, many of them women, in the country’s largest foreign exchange–earning sector.

These new trade measures are shaking an increasingly fragile system. Ripple effects of the tariffs are exposing deep vulnerabilities in the unsustainable fast fashion model that has dominated global apparel trade for over two decades. Fashion’s low-cost, high-speed engine depends on a seamless, linear supply chain: produce cheap garments in low-income countries; sell and ship them to the West; Western consumers dispose of them after a few wears. Could this disruption be a chance to reimagine and build a more sustainable global textile trade system?

It’s not just the tariffs that threaten the current model. A less abrupt but potentially more transformative environmental policy shift is coming from the European Union, which is sharpening its environmental agenda with a particular eye on textiles. While the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (adopted in July 2024) does not impose tariffs, it introduces textile-specific rules, including minimum recycled content, durability standards, and requirements for repairability. These requirements could become non-tariff trade barriers for textile exporters, but are not ideological so much as born of necessity.

The global textile industry consumes an estimated 3.25 billion tons of materials annually, with over 99 percent derived from virgin resources, and in addition is responsible for large amounts of water consumption and chemical pollution. Of the vast waste generated, only around 1 percent is currently recycled.

The accumulation of textile waste, much of it from fast fashion that is poorly designed with very short lifecycles, is rapidly emerging as a global environmental crisis. It is not only creating massive uncontrolled waste dumps but also contributing to chemical, microplastic, and greenhouse gas emissions harmful to human health and the environment. The average American throws away over 81.5 pounds of clothing every year, which is an estimated 11 million tons of textile waste. Europeans generated an estimated total of 6.95 million tons of textile waste in 2020—around 35 pounds per person. This textile waste often consists of synthetic materials, which contribute significantly to landfill volumes and take decades or even centuries to decompose.

The California Senate Bill 707—also called the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024—is the first legislation in the United States aimed at holding fashion brands and retailers accountable for the lifecycle of their products. Under this new law—which passed in September 2024—companies are required to implement collection and recycling programs for textiles to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Several countries in the EU, such as France and the Netherlands, have also launched extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, requiring producers and importers to responsibly manage the end-of-life for fashion products.

These national policies are an important measure, yet the problem goes deeper. Driven by the global fast fashion industry, the growing volumes of textile waste produced combined with increased waste management requirements and landfill costs make disposal in consumer markets costly. As a result, over the past two decades, there have been rapidly growing exports of discarded clothes to secondary markets. Traded textile waste from the United States and Europe, but also China, has become a growing concern of international dimensions. Vast uncontrolled textile dump sites are growing rapidly in multiple countries, including in Chile’s Atacama Desert, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan, and are symptoms of wider, systemic problem of the global fashion industry.

About 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally and traded volumes of disposed clothing increased sevenfold over the past decades, growing at a rate of 10 percent per year. The European Union, China, and the United States were the leading exporters, with 30 percent, 16 percent, and 15 percent respectively. And policies as they are currently designed could exacerbate this trade.

With these shipments, it is often challenging to differentiate between textile waste, clothing that can be reused or resold, and garments suitable for recycling, as they frequently appear similar but require distinct sorting processes for proper disposal or repurposing. Further, the trade in used textiles, whether they are secondhand clothes or straight-out waste, transfers the burden of waste management to these secondary markets—many of which lack capacity to properly manage the waste—resulting in significant environmental and human harm.

Shipments of textile waste or unsold low-quality garments to developing countries are often falsely declared as secondhand clothing. Unlike secondhand textiles that hold resale value in local markets, textile waste carries a negative value. The issue of illicit textile waste trade has emerged as a growing concern for the UN Commission on Trade and Development, which is now trying to address it through dedicated policy dialogue. Criminal networks often mix the contents and profits from illegal textile waste trafficking with those earned through the legitimate secondhand textile trade, making it harder to detect. This practice makes illicit textile waste trafficking a highly profitable yet low-risk crime, as enforcement is weak, investigations and prosecutions are infrequent, and penalties for violators tend to be minimal. Criminal networks take advantage of weak oversight, inadequate border enforcement, corrupt officials and regulatory loopholes, and recipient countries lack the infrastructure to handle the influx of low-quality textiles.

Up to 40 percent of Europe’s used textile exports to African countries are waste, according to the European Environment Agency. These problems are complicated by broader issues of illicit or poorly regulated global trade in waste. Between 15 and 30 percent of waste shipments are estimated to be illegal.

According to a report by the Financial Action Task Force (an independent inter-governmental body that develops and promotes policies against money laundering and terrorist financing), the profit generated from illicit waste—not only textiles but also electronic waste and other waste streams—amounts to $10 to 12 billion annually, which puts profits on a par with other major crime areas such as arms trafficking (between $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion in 2020) or illicit trade of protected species ($1.8 billion for animal species and $9.3 billion for plant species).

Addressing these complex challenges will require stricter controls and regulations in both the countries shipping and receiving textile waste. However, current experience shows that, implemented in isolation, domestic policy actions can actually drive illicit trading activities, as these policies can incentivize operators to ship waste out of a country rather than pay official landfill fees. If recipient countries try to introduce unilateral measures to prevent the import of such waste, then the waste flows get diverted elsewhere. This highlights the urgent need for more coordinated global policy action to better regulate the global trade of used and waste textile shipments.

The EU is trying to close the net on waste exports through the new EU waste shipment regulation that entered into force in May 2024. The regulation will ban textile waste shipments to non-OECD countries (unless an exemption is requested). The issue is complicated by trading partners importing the EU’s waste pushing back against the legislation. Traders in used textiles have argued that the stricter rules will limit exports of high-quality textiles, hurting local businesses that resell the clothes on second-hand markets. In Kenya, about 2 million people are employed in this trade. Policies will need to balance supporting the legal second-hand clothing trade—which provides affordable clothing and economic opportunities in developing countries—while cracking down on illegal dumping practices.

Enforcement agencies must pay significantly more attention to ensure policies achieve their intended impact. This is possible: In the United States, prior to the tariffs, the Department of Homeland Security in April 2024 increased the scrutiny on textile imports due to concerns over forced labor in Xinjiang’s apparel sector. The new strategy introduced strengthened enforcement efforts through intensified targeting of small package shipments, joint trade special operations, and increased customs audits and foreign verifications. The same effort and scrutiny will be needed to crack down on illegal textile waste exports, while at the same time enabling traceability of legally shipped textile items.

More systemic policy solutions are needed to go beyond waste trade and address the root causes. For example, textile EPRs that coordinate across jurisdictions and set waste prevention targets as well as measures to reduce the overall volume of new clothes put on the market. Together with eco-design requirements, these policies can help to ensure fashion is designed to be free of toxic chemicals, and has longer use phases and multiple cycles of reuse.

A circular textile economy, in essence, is a question of economics and trade. The linear fashion model has run up against its ecological and geoeconomic limits. As trade routes reconfigure and tariffs and regulatory pressure mounts, companies that once raced to be the fastest may now compete on resilience and circular design. Even if Trump and the EU’s trade measures haven’t killed fast fashion—and it’s far from dead—they have certainly slowed it down, and woven it into a far more tangled and complex policy landscape.

[darkmaga-returns]

Trump may tap Stephen Miller to replace Mike Waltz. WH: no specific timeline’ to release Epstein files. India cuts off water flow to Pakistan. Houthi missile hits Ben Gurion Airport.

Lioness of Judah Ministry

May 05, 2025

Trump considering Stephen Miller for National Security Adviser role

President Trump tells reporters he may tap Stephen Miller to replace Mike Waltz, who was ousted after sharing sensitive Yemen strike plans.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told reporters aboard Air Force One he is considering naming his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, as National Security Adviser to replace Mike Waltz. Trump added that he expects to appoint a successor to Waltz within six months. Trump last week announced that Waltz would be removed from his position as National Security Adviser following backlash over the saga surrounding his adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic to a private messaging group where US military strike plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen were being discussed. While the President removed Waltz as National Security Adviser, he did not dismiss him outright, instead nominating him as US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump: ‘Tariffs Are Going to Make Us Rich,’ We Don’t Need ‘Junk’ from China

President Donald Trump said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the tariffs would make the United States a rich nation.

Trump said, “The tariffs are going to make us rich. We’ll be a very rich country.”

Host Kristen Welker said, “At your cabinet meeting, you said, ‘Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls would cost a couple of bucks more than you would normally.’ Are you saying that the tariffs will cause some prices to go up?” Trump said, “No, I think the tariffs will be great for us because it will make us rich.”

US Tariff On Auto Parts Goes Into Effect

The new duties target key vehicle components but include exemptions for USMCA-compliant parts to preserve North American supply chains.

A 25 percent tariff on imported automobile parts took effect on May 3, marking a significant step in President Donald Trump’s effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing jobs. The new duties—authorized under a March 26 proclamation—apply to key components used in passenger vehicles and light trucks, including engines, transmissions, and electrical systems.

Trump announces 100% tariff on movies produced outside US

US President Donald Trump announces a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States.

He says he is authorizing the US Trade Representative to process the institution of the tariff because the United States’ movie industry is dying “a very fast death” due to other countries offering incentives to attract filmmakers and studios. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat,” Trump says in a post on Truth Social. “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”

Warren Buffett slams Trump’s tariffs

Trade “should not be a weapon,” the billionaire investor has said

Warren Buffett has criticized US President Donald Trump’s trade policy, warning that the White House’s escalating use of tariffs amounts to turning trade into “an act of war.” Speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting on Saturday, the billionaire investor argued against using tariffs as a weapon, saying balanced trade is essential for global prosperity and peace.

Buffett To Step Down As Berkshire CEO At Year-End As Cash Hoard Hits Record $348 BIllion

That’s the news hook for the day. Thanks for coming.”

It's the end of an era at America's largest hedge fund/private equity/insurance float-cum-rollup conglomerate, whatever you want to call it: Warren Buffett just announced during the Berkshire annual pilgrimage to Omaha that he is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire at the end of the year, and that Greg Abel, the vice chairman for non-insurance operations who has been groomed over the past decade for just this moment, will take over the conglomerate. The news was greeted with a standing ovation by the thousands of Berkshire shareholders who were present at Omaha's Convention Center.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Tariff shock may hit Brazil harder than expected, new risks loom

Argentina and India, with Milei and Modi as friends of Trump, were not spared from the tariff shock

Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom—the largest economies with which the United States has a trade surplus—will face lighter impacts from the sweeping tariff package announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

However, although Brazil was hit only with the minimum 10% import tax, the impact on Brazilian exports will still be significant. Trade specialist Rodrigo Pupo noted that, based on Brazil’s exports to the U.S. in 2024, which totaled $40.4 billion, American importers would now have to pay over $4 billion in import duties on Brazilian products alone.

Mr. Pupo also pointed to potential opportunities for Brazil, given that many other countries will face much higher import taxes, including Vietnam (46%), China (34%), South Africa (30%), India (26%), South Korea (25%), and the European Union (20%). This could give Brazilian exporters a competitive edge in some sectors.

Following Mr. Trump’s announcement, doubts emerged across different sectors in Brazil regarding the real size of the additional tariff. The new tariff scheme will work as follows: First, a “basic tariff”—a universal 10% tax on all imported products, regardless of origin—will take effect on April 5, affecting around $3.3 trillion in annual U.S. imports based on 2023 data.

Continue reading.

[ivankahasbeentreatedsounfairly]

Stocks tumbled in the U.S., Asia and Europe. Allies and adversaries alike were weighing their responses.

The NY Times

Updated 

April 3, 2025, 10:17 a.m. ET4 minutes ago

Ana SwansonAlan RappeportTony Romm and Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Here’s the latest.

Wall Street opened sharply lower on Thursday, after a slump in global markets in response to President Trump’s major round of tariffs on U.S. imports. The world’s biggest economies reacted swiftly to the new levies, a significant escalation of trade tensions with the United States, and some countries warned of retaliation.

The S&P 500 opened more than 3 percent lower, a huge drop for the index, echoing sharp declines in Asia and Europe as investors balked at the tariffs. China vowed to take countermeasures to “safeguard its own rights and interests.” Its state media described the tariffs as “self-defeating bullying.”

Mr. Trump had said for weeks that he would impose “reciprocal tariffs” on allies and adversaries, but the tariffs announced on Wednesday were far higher than experts had expected, and are likely to drive up prices for American consumers and manufacturers.

In Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said that the bloc would be united in its response to the tariffs. “If you take on one of us, you take on all of us,” she said. The duties posed a particular threat to attempts to revive the largest economy in Europe, Germany’s, which has been stagnant.

The response from Japan, the largest overseas investor in the United States, was more restrained. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the tariffs “extremely regrettable.” But he refrained from talk of retaliation, saying that his government was trying to impress upon the Trump administration that Japan is helping the United States to industrialize again.

Britain also did not suggest it would immediately retaliate. Instead, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said negotiations toward a trade deal with the United States would continue.

Business groups, trade experts, economists, Democratic lawmakers and even a few Republicans swiftly denounced the tariffs, while some industries scrambled to understand how they would be affected.

Mr. Trump framed his policies as a response to a national emergency, saying that tariffs were needed to boost domestic production.

Mr. Trump could have tried to fix the rules governing global trade, which he says allies have abused to the detriment of the U.S. economy and American consumers, said Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University. Instead, he said, “Trump has chosen to blow up the system governing international trade.”

Here’s what else to know:

Tariff rates: The United States will subject Chinese goods to a staggering new tariff of 34 percent, on top of the tariffs that Mr. Trump had already imposed since January. The European Union’s tariff was set at 20 percent, Japan’s at 24 percent, Britain’s at 10 percent and India’s at 26 percent. Mr. Trump said little about the methodology behind those calculations.

Markets fall: The market reaction suggested that the scale of the tariffs had come as a surprise. Futures on the S&P 500 slumped over 3 percent, as benchmark indexes dropped more than 3 percent in Japan and nearly 2 percent in Hong Kong and South Korea. The Stoxx Europe 600 was down more than 2 percent and Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, dropped by 3 percent.

Loophole closed: Mr. Trump also scrapped a loophole called the de minimis rule, which has been used by many e-commerce companies to send low-cost goods to the United States from China without having to pay taxes.

Auto tariffs: New tariffs on all automobiles made outside the United States took effect, adding to previous tariffs on steel, aluminum and other imports that Mr. Trump has imposed since returning to office in January.

[bostonwalks]

Why Tariffs Are Good The claim that tariffs are inherently misguided and inevitably harmful does not stand up to scrutiny, especially when it comes to U.S. trade with China by Michael Lind https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/tariffs-good-trump-china

Donald Trump is back—and so is the tariff. “It’s a beautiful word, isn’t it?” the president quipped before the joint session of Congress on Tuesday—so beautiful that he referenced tariffs 17 more times in his address. In the short time since his second inauguration on Jan. 20, Trump has imposed—and sometimes walked back or temporarily suspended—tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, and declared a policy of tit-for-tat “reciprocity” or retaliation for any foreign tariffs on American exports that are higher than U.S. tariffs on imports. And he has justified tariffs with multiple rationales, ranging from protecting or reshoring defense-critical American industries to pressuring America’s neighbors to take action to reduce the cross-border flow of illegal immigrants and drugs like fentanyl. In fact, he told members of Congress, tariffs were “about protecting the soul of our country.”

The chaotic and inconsistent nature of Trump’s second-term policy to date can be criticized. But when it comes to tariffs as a tool of economic statecraft in general, the gap between establishment rhetoric and actual government practice is big enough to drive a Chinese EV through.

The audiences of the dying legacy media are told that the tariff is a destructive policy revived by politicians like Trump who fail to understand elementary economics, which teaches that free trade benefits all sides all the time everywhere, with no exceptions. But from North America to Europe to Asia, developed countries are ignoring mainstream economists and their amen corner in the subsidized libertarian think tank world and slapping tariffs onto imports in favored industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Governments are resorting to tariffs and industrial policy, not because their prime ministers and presidents flunked Econ 101, but because they do not want their economies deindustrialized by a flood of low-priced, state-subsidized Chinese imports.

The Chinese import threat is why Canada has levied a 100% tariff on imported Chinese EVs, along with a 25% surtax on Chinese steel and Chinese aluminum. The European Union has slapped electric vehicles made in China with tariffs ranging from 7.8% to 35.3%, on top of the standard European tariff of 10% for imported automobiles. India imposes tariffs of 70%-100% on imported electric vehicles from China and other countries.

Like the leaders of Canada, the EU, and India, former president Joe Biden is not generally thought of as a disciple of the Donald Trump school. But last May, the Biden administration imposed new duties not only on Chinese EVs but also on Chinese-made steel and aluminum, semiconductors, batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, ship-to-shore cranes, and medical products. According to the Biden White House press release in May:

China’s forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft have contributed to its control of 70, 80, and even 90 percent of global production for the critical inputs necessary for our technologies, infrastructure, energy, and health care—creating unacceptable risks to America’s supply chains and economic security.

In December, the Biden administration announced new restrictions on the export of chip manufacturing to China. The Biden White House even taunted the first Trump administration for not having gone far enough with its protectionist policies: “The previous administration’s trade deal with China failed to increase American exports or boost American manufacturing as it had promised.”

The verdict of history is clear: No country ever industrialized by pursuing free trade.Share

The rehabilitation of tariffs, then, is a belated course correction in response to the rise of China, which has been driven by U.S. companies that offshored manufacturing. The Middle Kingdom has lost its position as the world’s most populous nation to India, but it has surpassed the U.S. as the world’s largest national economy. China dominates global manufacturing, accounting for a market share of around 30% of manufacturing value added in 2023. In comparison, that same year American manufacturing accounted for only 16% of the global total.

In 2023 China produced roughly half of the world’s crude steel. China is the world’s largest automobile maker, accounting for a third of the global total. China’s state-backed aerospace company, COMAC, threatens to take global market share from America’s Boeing and Europe’s Airbus. China is also the world’s largest commercial shipbuilder, responsible for more than half of all shipbuilding. America’s share of the global shipbuilding market is 0.10%. Yes, zero-point-10 percent. Most of the goods shipped across the oceans to and from the U.S. are in ships built in China (51%), South Korea (28%), or Japan (15%). During the COVID pandemic, Americans were shocked to learn how dependent the U.S. is on medical supplies from China, which provides around 30% of active pharmaceutical ingredients used in drugs by value and 78% of the vitamins in the U.S. A single Chinese company, DJI, controls 90% of the American drone market, including 90% of the drones used by American police departments and first responders.

China’s trade with the U.S. resembles that of a dominant manufacturing nation with a resource colony. In 2023, China’s main exports to the U.S. were broadcast equipment, computers, and office machine parts. Apart from integrated circuits, one of the few industries in which the U.S. retains an advantage, America’s main exports to China in 2023 were soybeans and crude petroleum, with the value of soybeans ($15.2 billion) twice that of silicon chip exports ($7.01 billion).

[beardedmrbean]

Dozens of endangered animals were discovered by Thailand's customs agents on Wednesday at the Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, prompting authorities to arrest six Indian nationals on suspicion of animal smuggling.

The red panda, which is classified as an endangered species because of the loss of habitat and hunting, was seen peering out of a storage basket in photos released by the customs department.

The officials found other animals placed in checked-in luggage, including snakes, parrots and wild lizards. The photos showed plastic tubs with lizards and snakes coiled together in cloth bags.

"We have found out that the animals include 29 black throat monitor lizards, 21 snakes, 15 birds, including parrots —  a total of 87 animals. The animals were hidden inside the luggage," the department said in a statement.

All animals found are protected by a multilateral treaty, called CITES, to safeguard endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade.

Suspects intended to reach Mumbai

The suspects were attempting to board a plane to Mumbai from Bangkok.

The Bangkok Post reported that the suspects had been charged

with wildlife smuggling, animal disease control and fishery violations. They were also charged with breaches of customs legislations, according to the paper.

The suspects will either face a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail be forced to pay four times the amount of import duties, according to AFP news agency.

Thailand is a major transit hub for wildlife smugglers, who often then go on to sell the animals in China and Vietnam. In recent years, however, there has been an uptick in wildlife trafficking into India. 

[sunitwrites]

ISOLATION FROM SURROUNDINGS AND LONELINESS.

The city of joy is an ageing urban setting —this is not the concrete jungle—not a city of color. Kolkata currently has the most people aged 60 and above in India, despite other Indian cities having younger populations. And to make matters worse, Kolkata has disturbingly low rates of the population's 20-year-olds, who make up the largest age group in all major cities.

According to a U.N. assessment from 2019, India, the second most populous nation in the world, would probably overtake China as the most populous nation by 2027 by adding over 273 million people to its current population. Accordingly, the National Statistical Office (NSO) predicted that India's old population will rise throughout the forecast period, rising from 138 million in 2021 to 194 million in 2031. With the nation's ageing population, senior poverty has emerged as a critical societal concern.

According to the WHO, those 60 to 74 are considered old. The old population segment was divided into the following categories by the UN in 1980 when it suggested 60 as the age of transition:

Between the ages of 60 and 75, young to old.

75 to 85 years old is considered to be old.

85 years or older is quite old.

The joint family, which emphasis the family as a unit and requires reverence to age and authority, is progressively being replaced by nuclear homes, which are characterize   by individualism, independence, and a need for privacy. Children who relocate frequently struggle to adjust to city life and decide to abandon their elderly parents in the village, which creates issues for the elderly with loneliness and a shortage of careers. Parents in this situation might have to take care of themselves because they can't always rely on their kids for financial assistance. They keep working, but at a slower rate.

Old Age Homes' function as careers:-

Even though it's not particularly prevalent, the idea of an old age home exists in India. The Bangalore Friends-in Need organization opened the first old age home in Bangalore in 1983. It was known as the "(Obb Home)". Help Age India believes that there are currently 728 institutions, with maybe the most of them located in metropolitan regions. Despite government and non-governmental organization (NGO) efforts, the elderly in India continue to be the most vulnerable population, suffering from a variety of issues. As a result, they need sufficient care and attention. Growing older is a normal process. "Old age is a disease that has no cure."

The aged in India may benefit greatly from the following recommendations-

The family-informal system, where the concept of care is rooted within a history of social duties that are acknowledged and reciprocated, should be strengthened since it is still the preferred source of assistance for the elderly. It is important to promote the mutual support and care between parents, grandparents, and children in multigenerational homes. Additionally, media and school curriculum can be used to reaffirm traditional ideals of filial responsibilities.

The connections within families that include both young and old people must be improved via institutional care. Effective law is required to protect parents' rights to be taken care of by their children.

The general public's awareness of the need to safeguard this subgroup must be raised. The target population, which consists of elderly rural residents, elderly women, and widows, has to be protected urgently.

Additionally, it is important for the elderly to be active, to understand that they can still contribute to their family or community and to the nation and society at large.

YOU CAN CHECK OUT THIS OLD AGE HOME FACILITY IN KOLKATA

AUMORTO

[advertisement098]

Why Do Costs Vary Between Different Paper Bag Machine Manufacturers?

At Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd, we believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer. In this article, we explain the key factors that influence machine pricing and how choosing the right manufacturer can save you more in the long run—not just at the time of purchase.

🏷️ Price Is Not Just About the Machine—It’s About the Entire Package

Before comparing costs, it’s important to understand that a machine’s price reflects its design quality, performance, durability, service, and support—not just the physical hardware.

Let’s break down the top reasons why machine prices vary between manufacturers:

1. ⚙️ Build Quality and Materials Used

Not all machines are built the same. Some manufacturers use

Imported servo motors (like Delta and Siemens)

Hardened, high-precision gears

Powder-coated frames

Industrial-grade sensors

Others may cut costs using

Local or generic parts

Lightweight or low-durability materials

Manual welding vs. precision CNC machining

✅ At Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd, we use heavy-duty frames, top-grade electricals, and precision components to ensure long-term reliability.

Fully automatic machines with inline printing, handle-pasting, and auto-stacking functions will naturally cost more than a basic machine that requires manual operation.

✅ We offer modular upgrades so you only pay for what you need and add more features later.

3. 🔧 After-Sales Support & Installation

Many lower-cost manufacturers don’t include installation, training, or after-sales service in their price. This leads to hidden costs later when you need technical support or spare parts.

✅ Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd includes

On-site installation and trial runs

Operator training at your factory

1-year warranty and remote support

Spare part availability across India

This comprehensive service is factored into our pricing—giving you long-term peace of mind.

4. 📦 Customization and Engineering Expertise

Some manufacturers offer only fixed models with no flexibility. But real-world customers often need:

Custom paper sizes

Grease-proof or laminated paper support

Varying thickness compatibility

Space-adjusted machine designs

✅ Our experienced R&D team works closely with buyers to custom-build machines suited to your raw material, budget, and production goals—which adds real value, not just upfront savings.

5. 🇮🇳 Made in India vs. Imported Components

Some Indian manufacturers import machines from China and simply rebrand them. While this may reduce costs initially, buyers face:

Lack of spare parts

No local support

Difficulty in software troubleshooting

✅ At Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd, we design and build machines in India, with support and spares always available—reducing long-term risks.

6. 🧾 Transparent Pricing vs. Hidden Charges

Some companies quote low prices, but

Exclude GST (18%)

Charge extra for installation

Add shipping or crating charges later

✅ Our quotations are clear and inclusive—so you know the total investment from day one.

💡 Example: The ₹3 Lakh Difference That Saved ₹12 Lakhs Later

One of our clients in Punjab initially considered a cheaper machine from a lesser-known brand, priced ₹3 lakhs lower than ours. But:

The machine needed frequent maintenance

Spare parts took 2–3 weeks to arrive

Downtime cost them multiple client orders

Eventually, they switched to Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd Our machine:

Ran 40% faster

Had less than 1% error rate

Got same-day support on every issue

The initial price difference was ₹3 lakhs—but they saved over ₹12 lakhs in 1 year from reduced downtime and better bag output.

📞 Ready to Compare Smartly?

Don’t just compare prices—compare value, support, and long-term returns. At Prakash Machineries Pvt Ltd, we’re happy to provide:

A transparent quote

A cost-benefit comparison

A machine demo (virtual or on-site)

🌐 Website: www.prakashoffset.com

[radhatmtindia]

TMT Bar Price & Steel Rate Today: Check Latest Steel Price per Kg in India

In today’s dynamic construction landscape, knowing the steel rate today, the steel price per kg, and the latest TMT bar price is essential for builders, contractors, and individuals planning any kind of infrastructure or building project. As steel is the backbone of modern construction, fluctuations in its price can significantly impact project costs. Here, we provide a detailed and updated overview of steel price today with precise figures, market trends, and influencing factors.

Current Steel Price Today in India (Per Kg Basis)

TMT Bar Price Today – Brand-Wise Breakdown

TMT bars are a crucial component in RCC structures. Their pricing fluctuates daily due to demand, raw material costs, and manufacturing variations. Here's an updated brand-wise TMT bar price list:

Brand

Grade

Price per Kg (INR)

Radha TMT

Fe 550D

₹65 – ₹68

Tata Tiscon

Fe 550D

₹67 – ₹72

JSW Neosteel

Fe 500D

₹66 – ₹70

Vizag Steel

Fe 500

₹62 – ₹66

Kamdhenu TMT

Fe 550

��63 – ₹67

SAIL TMT

Fe 500D

₹64 – ₹69

Factors Influencing Steel Price Today

1. Raw Material Costs

The primary raw materials used in steel production—iron ore, coal, and scrap—play a decisive role in determining the steel rate today. A surge in global iron ore prices directly impacts domestic steel pricing.

2. Transportation and Fuel Charges

Rising fuel costs increase transportation charges, especially for inter-state deliveries, contributing to the final steel price per kg.

3. Supply and Demand

During periods of high construction activity, such as pre-monsoon or post-budget months, steel prices typically witness an upward trend due to demand spike.

4. Government Policies and Import/Export Duties

Changes in import duties or restrictions on steel exports can either boost domestic supply or create scarcity, influencing the TMT bar price significantly.

5. Global Market Trends

Indian steel prices are indirectly influenced by international markets like China and the US. Any disruptions or booms in these markets have a ripple effect.

Regional Price Variations of TMT Bars

India being a vast country sees TMT bar prices varying based on location due to logistical costs and proximity to manufacturing hubs. Here’s a regional overview:

South India (Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore): ₹64 – ₹70/kg

North India (Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur): ₹62 – ₹67/kg

West India (Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad): ₹63 – ₹69/kg

East India (Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna): ₹61 – ₹66/kg

Steel Price Trends – Monthly Overview

Month

Average Steel Price per Kg

March 2025

₹62

April 2025

₹64

May 2025

₹66

June 2025

₹67

The steel rate today shows a consistent upward trend due to rising demand from infrastructure projects and government tenders. Investors and contractors should monitor prices closely to optimize their purchase timing.

How to Choose the Right TMT Bars for Your Project

Choosing the correct grade and brand of TMT bars ensures structural integrity and long-term durability. Here are some quick pointers:

Fe 500D and Fe 550D offer higher ductility and are suitable for seismic zones.

ISI certified brands like Radha TMT, JSW, and Tata Tiscon are reliable.

Always check for corrosion resistance, elongation capacity, and bendability before buying.

Bulk Purchase Benefits for Construction Projects

Buying steel in bulk offers several benefits:

Lower price per kg

Free or discounted delivery

Consistent supply for large-scale construction

We recommend reaching out to regional distributors or authorized stockists of brands like Radha TMT, SAIL, and JSW for competitive quotes.

Tips for Buying Steel at the Best Rates

Compare daily prices across different suppliers.

Purchase in off-peak seasons like monsoon or winter.

Choose local brands to reduce freight charges.

Track international metal index for trend forecasting.

Negotiate for bulk orders directly with manufacturers or major dealers.

Why Steel Prices Will Remain Volatile in 2025

As infrastructure development surges, particularly in railways, highways, and smart cities, the demand for high-quality steel continues to rise. At the same time, global shipping costs and geopolitical conflicts can create unpredictable supply chains. These combined factors will keep steel prices today highly reactive to external events, necessitating close market tracking.

Conclusion

Understanding the steel rate today, staying updated with the steel price per kg, and making informed decisions regarding TMT bar price can significantly optimize project budgets and timelines. Whether you're a contractor, builder, or an investor in infrastructure, timely decisions based on accurate steel pricing data are critical for success.

[market-trends-bykr]

Global Small-Scale LNG Market Set to Grow at 14.5% CAGR

The Small-Scale LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Market is poised for substantial growth, with revenue projected to rise from USD 56.5 billion in 2024 to USD 166.6 billion by 2032. This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 14.5%, driven by rising demand for clean, cost-effective, and decentralized energy solutions across transportation, industrial, and power generation sectors.

Small-scale LNG offers a viable and flexible energy alternative for regions without access to major gas pipelines. From mobile liquefaction and regasification systems to LNG bunkering for ships, this sector is enabling energy transitions in both developed and emerging economies.

To Get Free Sample Report: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/small-scale-lng-market

Market Drivers

Clean Energy Transition Liquefied natural gas emits fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants compared to diesel and heavy fuel oil. Its adoption supports global decarbonization targets, particularly in transport and remote power generation applications.

Marine and Heavy-Duty Transport Growth International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations limiting sulfur emissions have made LNG a preferred marine fuel. In parallel, rising use of LNG in buses, trucks, and fleet vehicles is accelerating adoption in the transportation sector.

Rise of Modular and Mobile LNG Infrastructure Compact, modular liquefaction units and portable storage tanks are making LNG more accessible in off-grid and underdeveloped regions. These technologies reduce infrastructure costs and deployment time while providing localized energy access.

Remote Industrial & Off-Grid Applications Small-scale LNG is being deployed to meet energy needs in mining, manufacturing, oil & gas operations, and island communities. It enables energy resilience without the need for large-scale pipeline networks.

Government Incentives and Emission Regulations Incentives, subsidies, and regulatory reforms in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America are supporting LNG investments. Countries like Indonesia are investing in LNG projects to reduce reliance on diesel in rural power plants.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific dominates the global market, accounting for over 40% share in 2024. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are leading in LNG import terminal construction, modular LNG facility deployment, and marine LNG bunkering.

North America North America holds a significant share due to its large natural gas reserves, established LNG infrastructure, and rising adoption in transportation. The U.S. is leading new projects targeting fleet fueling and off-grid energy use.

Europe Europe represents nearly 30% of market revenue, led by port-based LNG bunkering, regulatory compliance, and energy transition policies focused on decarbonization and reducing sulfur emissions.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa These regions are emerging players in small-scale LNG, with infrastructure development and pilot projects supporting transportation, remote energy, and industrial processing in off-grid areas.

Market Segmentation

By Terminal Type

Liquefaction Terminals: Account for over 60% of the market, particularly in export-heavy economies and modular on-site LNG production.

Regasification Terminals: Important in off-grid energy supply chains and mobile delivery systems.

By Mode of Supply

Truck-to-Tank (TTT): Dominant delivery method, offering flexibility and mobility across industrial and transportation sectors.

Pipeline & Vessel-Based Supply: Used in larger-volume or coastal operations, especially for bunkering.

By Application

Transportation: Includes marine shipping, trucking, buses, and fleet services.

Power Generation: Remote electrification, emergency backup, and island microgrids.

Industrial Use: Heat and fuel supply for factories, plants, and mining operations.

Utilities: Peak shaving, off-grid storage, and urban distribution.

Challenges

Capital Investment Requirements While modular, small-scale LNG infrastructure still requires significant upfront capital, especially for liquefaction and storage facilities.

Infrastructure & Logistics Gaps Insufficient port, road, and LNG tank infrastructure limit scalability in some regions, especially in Africa and Latin America.

Regulatory Complexity Varying regional safety codes, environmental laws, and certification requirements complicate cross-border LNG adoption.

Renewable Energy Competition In the long term, hydrogen and battery-based technologies may challenge LNG's position in transportation and utility sectors.

Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Bunkering Infrastructure Growth Ports worldwide are expanding their LNG refueling capabilities to meet demand from cargo and passenger ships transitioning from diesel.

Mobile and Scalable LNG Systems Smaller, mobile LNG liquefaction and regasification units are expanding reach in remote mining and island locations.

LNG-Powered Fleets Cities and logistics providers are transitioning to LNG-powered trucks and buses, with dedicated refueling infrastructure.

Green LNG Solutions Development of bio-LNG and synthetic LNG is gaining traction, offering carbon-neutral alternatives to traditional natural gas.

Digital Monitoring and Optimization IoT and AI technologies are being applied to optimize LNG supply chains, track tank levels, forecast demand, and monitor safety.

Subscribe for Insights: https://www.datamintelligence.com/reports-subscription

Leading Market Players

Key companies in the global small-scale LNG market include:

Shell plc

Gazprom

Wärtsilä

Engie

Honeywell International

Linde plc

Chart Industries

Chevron Corporation

TotalEnergies

Chiyoda Corporation

Baker Hughes

Petronas

These players are investing in LNG bunkering, modular systems, and clean transport infrastructure to stay competitive.

Conclusion

The global small-scale LNG market is entering a transformative growth phase, driven by environmental mandates, rising fuel diversification, and technological innovation. As demand for clean, decentralized energy solutions expands across Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, small-scale LNG is becoming a critical component in marine transport, heavy-duty vehicles, industrial power, and off-grid energy applications. With its ability to meet both economic and environmental goals, the market is expected to triple in size by 2032, offering substantial opportunities for investment, innovation, and global impact.

[surajjhaseo]

Urea Price Trend: Global Market Insights, Analysis, and Forecast

Urea, a nitrogen-rich compound, plays a vital role in the global agricultural and industrial sectors. As the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer, fluctuations in the urea price chart have a direct impact on food security, crop productivity, and the global supply chain. Its usage in resins, adhesives, and plastics also amplifies its importance across industries beyond agriculture.

Understanding urea pricing requires a comprehensive view of market dynamics, historical trends, production regions, trade policies, and evolving demand patterns. This article offers detailed insights into the latest urea prices, historical data, market analysis, forecasts, and procurement strategies.

Urea Price Trend Overview

The urea price trend has witnessed considerable volatility in recent years, driven by multiple intersecting factors such as raw material availability, energy costs, logistics constraints, and global demand fluctuations.

Key Drivers Affecting Urea Prices:

Natural Gas Prices: Urea is synthesized from ammonia, which is produced using natural gas. Any spike in gas prices significantly increases urea production costs.

Seasonal Agricultural Demand: Peak planting seasons in major agrarian economies like India, Brazil, and the U.S. cause demand surges and impact prices regionally and globally.

Export Policies: Export bans or duties from top urea producers like China, Russia, and Egypt can restrict global availability and sharply influence market prices.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Maritime transport issues, geopolitical tensions, or local regulatory changes can lead to price spikes or dips based on shipment delays.

Latest News and Global Market Developments

Recent developments in the fertilizer and chemical markets are reshaping the urea supply-demand equilibrium. Key highlights include:

Export Restrictions from Major Producers: Nations like China have periodically restricted urea exports to safeguard domestic agriculture, influencing international prices.

Energy Crisis Impact: The European energy crisis led to a reduction in ammonia output, pushing up the cost of nitrogen fertilizers across the EU and beyond.

Sustainability Trends: Increasing focus on eco-friendly fertilizers and controlled-release urea is shifting procurement and production strategies across global markets.

Monitoring these changes via a reliable source such as Procurement Resource helps businesses stay informed and agile in their sourcing and budgeting decisions.

Historical Urea Price Trends and Chart Analysis

Analyzing historical price data is crucial for understanding market behavior, planning procurement, and forecasting future movements. Over the past decade, urea prices have fluctuated sharply during periods of energy shortages, supply chain breakdowns, and agricultural booms.

Historical Patterns:

2011–2014: High price volatility due to energy cost surges and increased demand from emerging markets.

2015–2019: Moderate pricing trend as global production increased, particularly from the Middle East and North Africa.

2020–2023: Unprecedented price increases driven by post-pandemic recovery, global inflation, and natural gas shortages.

Data Visualization:

An interactive urea price chart displaying multi-year trends, monthly averages, and year-over-year comparisons provides a clear picture of market movements.

Forecast: Outlook for Urea Prices

The outlook for urea prices over the next 3–5 years is influenced by global agricultural trends, energy transitions, and regulatory pressures. Analysts expect moderate to high pricing, particularly if natural gas remains volatile and agricultural demand continues to grow.

Forecast Considerations:

Rising Food Demand: With global population growth, food security has become critical, increasing fertilizer consumption.

Green Ammonia and Decarbonization: As industries move toward low-carbon production, green ammonia could reshape urea manufacturing and impact cost structures.

Government Subsidies: Countries like India may continue to subsidize urea for domestic farmers, distorting market dynamics and influencing global trade.

Procurement teams should closely monitor these factors to anticipate future urea price trend shifts and make timely sourcing decisions.

Regional Insights and Market Analysis

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific remains the largest consumer and producer of urea. India and China dominate consumption, while countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia serve as significant exporters. Subsidy policies and import dependency in countries like India can lead to seasonal price volatility.

Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

MENA countries have a strategic advantage due to abundant natural gas, making them key urea exporters. Expansion projects and free trade agreements in this region are improving market access and supply reliability.

Europe

European producers have faced challenges due to high natural gas prices, forcing temporary plant shutdowns. This has shifted Europe into a net importer of urea, especially during peak agricultural demand.

North America

The U.S. maintains a mix of domestic production and imports, with steady demand from the corn and soybean sectors. Environmental regulations and logistics efficiency also shape procurement strategies.

Procurement Strategy: Market Intelligence for Buyers

As global markets grow increasingly volatile, strategic procurement of urea demands accurate market intelligence, supplier analysis, and dynamic price modeling. Here’s how businesses can stay ahead:

Benchmarking Tools: Compare current prices with historical averages to evaluate procurement timing.

Supplier Risk Assessment: Identify geopolitical risks in sourcing countries to avoid unexpected supply disruptions.

Inventory Optimization: Align purchase cycles with seasonal demand and pricing patterns using forecast tools.

Platforms like Procurement Resource provide customized dashboards, procurement strategies, and market insights tailored for fertilizer buyers across sectors.

Request for the Real Time Prices : https://www.procurementresource.com/resource-center/urea-price-trends/pricerequest

Access to Urea Price Database and Forecast Models

An extensive urea price database is essential for procurement teams, market analysts, and industrial buyers to stay informed and plan strategically.

What’s Included:

Historical Data: Comprehensive pricing history segmented by region, grade, and application.

Forecast Models: AI-powered prediction models for accurate short- and long-term forecasts.

Trade Insights: Import/export trends, tariff updates, and supplier country analysis.

Professionals use data from platforms like Procurement Resource to build robust sourcing strategies, track supplier reliability, and reduce cost exposure.

Why Monitoring the Urea Price Trend Matters

Staying ahead of the urea price trend allows businesses to:

Improve Procurement Timing: Purchase during favorable price windows to reduce costs.

Avoid Stockouts: Predict demand spikes and supply issues to ensure consistent availability.

Maintain Competitive Pricing: Use market intelligence to negotiate better terms with suppliers.

Given urea’s importance in both agriculture and industrial sectors, monitoring price trends isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential.

Contact Information

Company Name: Procurement Resource Contact Person: Ashish Sharma (Sales Representative) Email: sales@procurementresource.com Location: 30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA Phone: UK: +44 7537171117 USA: +1 307 363 1045 Asia-Pacific (APAC): +91 8850629517

[mariacallous]

Despite plenty of threats and ominous social media posts, the Trump administration has not taken an aggressive stance on sanctioning Russia yet. It has been more than three years into Russia’s war with Ukraine and more than three months since U.S. President Donald Trump first promised to end the war.

In contrast, Europe is stepping up, with its latest proposed sanctions targeting the financial sinews of Russia’s war machine, which complements its efforts to backstop Ukraine’s attempts to target the physical sinews.

On June 10, the European Union unveiled its 18th package of proposed sanctions that take aim at Moscow’s ability to fund the war through energy exports. There are plans to cut dozens of Russian banks completely out of the financial system; go after scores of tankers that ship illicit Russian crude; and to end, for good, Russia’s ability to hold Europe hostage through energy pipelines in Germany, as Trump seeks. There are also plans to limit the amount of money Russia can make by selling oil.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, the sanctions “robust” and “hard-biting,” while her vice president, Kaja Kallas, said, “Russia is cruel, aggressive, and a danger to us all.”

Not all of Europe’s action comes from Brussels. Baltic states such as Denmark and Sweden, which have been tormented for years by illicit Russian tanker flows through the narrows, are now doing what was unthinkable a year ago and are working to impound decrepit, undocumented ships that pose an immediate environmental threat, as well as the larger existential one. And last week, Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Trump to continue supporting Ukraine and NATO against Russia.

Merz left Washington triumphant in a way that many other world leaders who tangled with Trump in the Oval Office have not, but he failed to overcome the stasis that prevails in Washington on punishing Russia.

The U.S. Senate continues to deliberate over a “bone-crushing” sanctions bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal that, among other provisions, would impose tariffs of at least 500 percent on any country that imports Russian oil, uranium, natural gas, petroleum products, or petrochemical products. As Stephen Sestanovich, a senior fellow for Russian and Eurasian studies at the Council on Foreign Relations noted, “Such duties would amount to a near-total embargo on U.S. trade with China and India, among many other countries.”

If the bill were to pass—it has a veto-proof majority in the Senate and a seemingly similar stampede in the House—it would take millions of Russian oil barrels off the market, which would lead to a global spike in oil prices and an even bigger recession than the one that’s inbound.

That might be why the White House has not only withheld support but quietly urged the kinds of changes that are typical in sanctions legislation, to give the executive more discretion. It is now likely pushed back to the end of the month, if then.

“Winning a Nobel Prize for peace in Ukraine is a prize worth pursuing, but losing domestic support because of higher gasoline prices hurts more,” said Kevin Book, the founder of ClearView Energy Partners.

The latest EU measures are not a done deal. As always in a bloc that relies on consensus, the lowest common denominator comes into play, and now there are two of them: Hungary and Slovakia. In the past, Europe has been able to pass its sanctions packages despite Hungary’s misgivings by massaging energy restrictions or pardoning particular oligarchs, but Europe’s rightward tilt makes walking a straight line an uphill task. Appeasing Hungary has been as easy as ensuring carve-outs for Russian gas or oil flows to Eastern Europe; but as the rope tightens, Europe’s wiggle room shrinks, as does its options to strong-arm recalcitrant EU members. There is chatter that this 18th package, unlike the one before it, might be met with serious resistance, but experts say odds are that part will go through.

The bigger push will come this weekend, at the G-7 meeting in Canada. The centerpiece of the latest EU package is an effort to hurt Russia’s bottom line by lowering the cap for legal Russian oil sales from $60 a barrel to $45 a barrel. The oil price cap was set in late 2022 at a high level because nobody wanted to really tank oil markets.

But since then, Trump’s trade wars have weakened the global economy and driven down benchmark prices for crude oil to nearly $60 a barrel. At a time when oil prices were in the mid-80s, the price cap was meant to be a cap, not a floor. And yet, today, Russian Urals crude oil—a lesser, sulfur-heavy grade of crude oil—can be sold on the global market with its habitual discount without falling afoul of Western sanctions. In order to put teeth back into the price cap, Europe and the West figure they need to tighten the zipper.

The question mark is the United States. There are plenty of experts who expect Washington to push back against the EU’s proposed package, and the EU cannot tighten the garrote without U.S. connivance, because the price cap is a G-7 construct outside the EU that relies on the United Kingdom’s dominance of the maritime oil insurance market and the United States’ ability to police sanctions transgressors. The really big question is whether the Trump administration wants to strangle Russian oil revenues and force an end to the war or court it as a postwar investment paradise.

The EU’s latest proposed measures have one big, positive step: further tightening restrictions on “shadow fleet tankers” that traffic Russian oil and products with no papers, rules, or insurance. The new measures would go after another 77 ships, out of the 350-odd shadow fleet tankers still afloat and flouting rules. The Biden administration hit this hard on its way out the door, and the bruises are only now showing.

When it comes to bringing down the shadow fleet, wrote Robin Brooks, Ben Harris, and Liam Marshall at the Brookings Institution, gang tackles are better. Only a handful of the illegal Russian ships are covered by U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions. Quite a few are covered by two of the three. A bunch are unsanctioned altogether. The EU and the U.K. do a lot on sanctions enforcement, but there is no instrument like the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

“In particular, when the EU and the U.K. sanction ships together, they shut down about 50 percent of sanctioned ships,” Brooks said. “That’s not as effective as OFAC, which is near 100 percent, but definitely nothing to sneeze at.”

More than three years into Europe’s bloodiest war since World War II, one that Russia continues to prosecute with a targeting as indiscriminate as it is deliberate, there are still ways to bring Moscow to heel beyond flashy drone strikes. The tools, whether in the EU’s 18 sanctions packages, the U.K.’s companion efforts, or a modified U.S. Senate sanctions bill, are out there.

The Trump administration’s handling of European allies and Ukraine is empowering Europe—not unlike the way its handling of Asian allies is empowering China, despite some regional blowback. But the response so far, resounding as it is, remains uneven.