Exports of the iconic Banarasi saree have increased fivefold since the Uttar Pradesh government launched the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme in 2018, providing a significant boost to Varanasi’s traditional weaving industry. The export growth has been supported by government initiatives aimed at strengthening the local weaving ecosystem. Under ODOP, artisans and traders have […]
Indian exporters are facing a sharp escalation in freight costs, with shipping charges to the US, Europe and other Western markets rising three to four times over the past two months amid widespread disruption to vessel schedules. Freight rates that were around $3,000 per container a couple of months ago have now crossed $9,000 on […]
Raymond is stepping up its focus on European markets as India’s expanding network of trade agreements creates new opportunities for apparel exports. The company sees Europe as an important growth region as it seeks to diversify its international business and reduce dependence on individual markets. The expansion comes amid improved market access for Indian exporters […]
Transport logistics service provider Porter plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet to 3 lakh vehicles across India by 2030, as the company looks to improve asset utilisation, optimise vehicle categories and build a more efficient and sustainable logistics network. Speaking at the launch of the company’s 10,000th electric truck in Delhi, Porter co-founder […]
Italian shipping line Ignazio Messina & C. has announced the launch of its new Red Sea Express Line, further strengthening its Indian Ocean–Red Sea service network and expanding connectivity across one of its most strategic trade corridors. The new service will operate alongside the company’s existing Jolly Line service, offering customers enhanced sailing options, increased […]
IndiGo has commenced dedicated freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, operating its first cargo flight to Sharjah on Saturday. The milestone marks the launch of scheduled freighter services at India’s newest greenfield airport and signals its emergence as a key air cargo hub. The airline deployed its Airbus A321 freighter, carrying a mix of […]
Cross-border trade between India and China has resumed through the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh after a gap of six years, marking the revival of an important traditional trade route. The reopening is expected to strengthen local economies, improve border commerce, and restore livelihood opportunities for traders in the region. Trade through Shipki La […]
A sharp decline in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has raised fresh concerns over global energy security and its potential impact on India. According to LSEG shipping data, only four commercial vessels transited the strategic waterway on Sunday, compared with eight vessels the previous day, reflecting the growing disruption caused by escalating military […]
In a significant boost to the horticulture exports of Jammu & Kashmir, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose Plums from the districts of Shopian and Pulwama to Singapore. […]
Global shipping major Maersk has announced a sharp increase in its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for container cargo moving from India to Northern Europe, effective August 1, 2026, a move expected to significantly increase freight costs for Indian exporters. The revised surcharge comes amid continued disruptions to global shipping caused by the prolonged Gulf conflict, […]