The India–US trade agreement reducing tariffs to 18 per cent is set to boost export competitiveness across textiles, seafood, leather and gems and jewellery, while improving order visibility and supporting a recovery in labour-intensive sectors.
The finance ministry has specified the excise duty on cigarettes at Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, effective 1 February
The Union Budget FY26–27 targets accelerated economic growth through higher capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore, major industrial and infrastructure schemes, and key tax reforms, including a new Income Tax Act effective April 2026.
The weight of food and beverages will be cut to 36.75 per cent in the new consumer price index (CPI) series from 45.86 per cent currently
India–EU trade deal boosts apparel, textile and jewellery exports with zero tariffs, opening major growth for labour sectors
The surge is due to increase in prices of other manufacturing, minerals, manufacture of machinery and equipment, manufacture of food products and textiles
Data shows that food inflation again remained negative in the seventh consecutive month at -2.71 per cent in December 2025
India has raised cotton imports from the US to meet quality and supply needs of its textile sector, with imports rising to 41.40 lakh bales in FY25 after a temporary duty exemption, the government told Parliament.
Wholesale inflation eased 0.32% in November on softer food prices, though higher pulses and vegetables lifted sequential WPI.
The report states that it is projected to average above 1.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of the current financial year (Q4FY26)
