Trade breakthrough: EU, Mercosur sign landmark free trade pact; 25-year negotiations end amid global tariff tensions

The European Union and the Mercosur on Saturday formally signed a long-awaited free trade agreement, closing more than 25 years of negotiations and creating one of the world’s largest integrated trading zones.The agreement was signed in Asunción, marking a significant geopolitical win for the EU at a time of intensifying global trade frictions, rising tariffs…

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Merchandise exports: CRISIL sees stronger headwinds; US trade risks keep outlook cautious

India’s merchandise exports are likely to face intensifying pressure in the coming months as uncertainty over the proposed US-India trade deal persists and concerns grow over possible additional US levies linked to India’s crude oil purchases from Russia, ratings firm CRISIL said.In its latest assessment, CRISIL warned that near-term stress could emerge in select agri-export…

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Trade realignment: Donald Trump tariffs push allies to hedge bets; China steps into gaps left by US

US President Donald Trump’s aggressive and unpredictable tariff strategy is beginning to redraw global trade alignments, with long-standing US partners actively seeking alternatives — and China emerging as a key beneficiary.Canada delivered the clearest signal yet of this shift on Friday, cutting its 100% import tax on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for sharply lower…

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Budget 2026: India’s crypto sector calls for clarity and tax relief; seeks 1% TDS rationalisation

Representative image (AI-generated) As the Union Budget approaches, India’s cryptocurrency sector is seeking clear rules for digital assets. It is also seeking for a rationalisation of the 1% TDS on crypto transactions to boost investor confidence and encourage onshore participation.In the Union Budget 2025, the finance minister left the existing tax framework for VDAs unchanged,…

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