Amid intensifying geopolitical disruptions that are unsettling global trade routes and supply chains, the Government of India has moved to closely monitor potential risks to the country’s export ecosystem, including the textile and apparel sector. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has constituted an inter-ministerial group to assess how evolving geopolitical developments could affect India’s export performance, with particular attention to supply chain continuity and critical import dependencies.

According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the newly formed group will track global developments that may disrupt production networks, logistics flows, and trade corridors. The initiative comes at a time when escalating conflicts, shipping route uncertainties, and volatility in energy and freight markets are beginning to influence sourcing decisions across the textile value chain.

India’s move to form an inter-ministerial group signals a proactive approach to managing export risks amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.
By closely monitoring supply chains, logistics routes and critical imports, the government aims to ensure faster policy responses and protect export competitiveness, particularly for sectors like textiles that are highly exposed to trade disruptions.

The inter-ministerial group will conduct sector-wise assessments to identify export vulnerabilities and potential disruptions in the supply of critical raw materials. For the textile industry, this includes monitoring inputs such as petrochemical derivatives used in synthetic fibres, dyes, and chemicals, as well as machinery components that are often sourced through complex global supply networks.

The group will also serve as a co-ordination platform among different ministries and government departments, enabling faster policy responses if disruptions escalate. Engagement with industry stakeholders, including Export Promotion Councils and trade bodies, will form an important part of this process. Through these consultations, the government aims to gather real-time feedback from exporters on logistical challenges, input shortages, freight cost pressures, and order uncertainties emerging from geopolitical tensions.

Alongside the inter-ministerial mechanism, DGFT has established an internal coordination framework to enable real-time tracking of trade-related developments. This system is intended to strengthen inter-agency communication and ensure that emerging issues affecting exporters are identified and addressed quickly.

For India’s textile and apparel sector, one of the country’s largest export industries with extensive global supply chain linkages, the monitoring initiative is particularly significant. Disruptions in maritime routes, fluctuations in petrochemical feedstock availability, and shifts in sourcing strategies among global brands could all influence export competitiveness in the coming months.

By establishing both an inter-ministerial monitoring group and an internal co-ordination mechanism, the government aims to improve preparedness and policy responsiveness as geopolitical uncertainties continue to reshape global trade dynamics.

The move reflects a broader effort to safeguard export growth while maintaining stability in critical supply chains that support India’s manufacturing and textile industries.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

Reducing unnecessary complexities and doing away with selected non-tariff barriers (NTBs) could significantly boost US investment in Bangladesh and enhance the country’s appeal as a foreign investment destination, according to Commerce, Industry, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.

Addressing these issues would also facilitate Bangladesh’s greater access to US development assistance and financing programmes, he said after meeting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S Paul Kapur in Dhaka.

Cutting unnecessary complexities and eliminating selected non-tariff barriers could significantly boost US investment in Bangladesh and enhance the country’s appeal as a foreign investment destination, according to Commerce, Industry, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
Addressing these would also facilitate greater access to US development assistance and financing programmes, he said.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade ties, expanding investment into new sectors, improving digital infrastructure and deepening overall trade and investment cooperation.

Certain procedural and policy-related bottlenecks continue to affect the investment climate, the minister observed.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Canada and the European Union (EU) have agreed to modernise the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and launch negotiations on a digital trade agreement, a move aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding cooperation in emerging sectors.

The announcement was made during a summit in Brussels, where leaders from both sides emphasised the need to deepen transatlantic trade amid global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Canada and the EU have agreed to modernise the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) following a summit in Brussels.
It aims to reduce trade barriers, support SMEs while expanding co-operation in digital services and cross-border data flows.
Leaders including Ursula von der Leyen said it will strengthen economic resilience, diversify trade partnerships and secure supply chains.

The initiative seeks to update the 2017 free trade deal by reducing remaining non-tariff barriers, improving regulatory co-ordination and creating clearer investment dispute mechanisms, particularly to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has set a target of doubling Canada’s non-US trade within the next decade, positioning Europe as a key partner in achieving that goal. According to Canada’s Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, the effort aligns with the country’s broader strategy to diversify trade beyond its largest partner, the United States, which currently accounts for nearly 70 per cent of Canadian exports and leaves the country vulnerable to shifts in American trade policy.

The agreement also launches talks on a digital trade framework covering data flows, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence regulation and digital services.

Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of digital commerce, noting that more than 40 per cent of EU-Canada services trade is already delivered digitally.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the partnership would support sustainable development, innovation and secure supply chains, particularly in areas such as rare minerals, clean energy and advanced technologies.

The modernisation effort underscores both partners’ commitment to strengthening economic resilience, promoting sustainable trade practices and deepening cooperation in the digital era.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)