Overview
- India’s commerce ministry said it will set up a weekly system to track export-import trends and sector stress to manage fallout from disruptions to West Asia routes.
- The ports ministry directed ports and terminal operators to publish all waivers, review bunker fuel availability, and speed evacuation of stranded containers to keep cargo moving.
- Exporters reported sharp jumps in packaging costs, with plastics up to about 50% and glass 8–20%, which they warned is squeezing smaller firms.
- Trade bodies said shipping lines are collecting full charges despite waivers and offering later reimbursements, and they pressed for upfront pass-through of relief.
- Industry groups sought to widen the Rs 497-crore ECGC RELIEF cover to shipments routed via Egypt and to speed GST refunds to ease cash flow for exporters.