tariff reductions

China signals willingness to accept existing US tariff levels while seeking to extend the current trade truce. Beijing hopes Washington will honor previous understandings, aiming to stabilize economic ties. Discussions are expected to focus on extending the one-year agreement and reducing unilateral tariffs.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

Tamil cinema's top brass has presented a wish list to Chief Minister Vijay, seeking tax relief, streamlined shoot permits, and robust anti-piracy measures. Producers and theatre owners are pushing for abolished local body taxes, lower electricity tariffs, and a single-window system for approvals, aiming to revitalize the industry amidst digital challenges.

Canadian tourism to the US has plummeted by an average of 42%, significantly impacting major cities and industry-linked mid-sized towns. This sharp decline, attributed to President Trump's trade war, also affects business travel, with fewer tech and finance employees journeying for work. The future of cross-border travel recovery remains uncertain under current trade conditions.

As India opens its markets through FTAs, domestic cost structures, especially those linked to GST credit accumulation, become even more critical to ensure a level playing field.

Eating out is set to become significantly more expensive as commercial LPG prices have surged by nearly Rs 1,000 per cylinder. Bengaluru hoteliers are compelled to hike menu prices by approximately 10% due to this steep increase, which follows two previous hikes in recent months. This development poses a considerable challenge to the hospitality sector.

India and New Zealand have signed a 'once-in-a-generation' trade pact, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand. Both nations are optimistic about the pact's potential to boost economic growth and cooperation across various sectors.

Tech layoffs in 2026 have already surpassed 92,000 jobs across 98 companies, making it the worst year for tech employment since the post-pandemic bust. Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snap, Oracle, and Block are among the biggest names cutting staff, with AI infrastructure spending cited as the primary driver. But beneath the efficiency narrative lies a more complicated story—one of overhiring, debt, and a workforce reckoning that's far from over.

Washington isn’t interested in being a guarantor of anything, including energy supplies. New Delhi’s strategic response must centre around the one energy source it has in abundance

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years. The pact will offer duty-free access for many Indian exports, benefiting sectors like Agra's leather industry. New Zealand gains tariff reductions on key products, while India protects sensitive agricultural goods.

Aviation ministry is providing relief to airlines. Major airports will cut landing and parking charges for domestic flights by 25 percent. This reduction is for three months. The move aims to ease financial pressure on airlines. It comes amid rising fuel costs and airspace restrictions. This decision is effective immediately.