Latest news with #SanitaryandPhytosanitary
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Emperor of Maladies' v 'Maharaja of Tariffs'
TOI correspondent from Washington: Dubbing India the "Maharaja of Tariffs," US Donald Trump's minions are unloading on New Delhi amid growing signs that beyond the trade dispute, the MAGA supremo is jettisoning stated US objective voiced by three previous presidents of supporting the rise of India as a counterweight to China. In scabrous remarks to reporters, Trump's trade counselor Peter Navarro on Thursday accused India of using US dollars to buy oil from Russia, which in turn "uses those dollars from India to finance weapons to kill Ukrainians and American taxpayers are being asked to pay for weapons to defend Ukraine from Russian weapons bought with US dollars from India." "This has to stop. This math doesn't work. The president understands the connection between economic and national security. So that was the crux of the matter," Navarro said, rationalizing the 50 percent tariff on Indian exports. Navarro's dodgy logic was called out by reporters who asked why in that case Beijing, which buys more Russian oil than India does, was not being penalized, leading him to make a key admission: The US is under the cosh when it comes to China and "we don't want to hurt ourselves" with higher tariffs. "As the boss says, we'll see what happens. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Back Pain Treatments That Might Surprise You! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Remember, we already have over 50% tariffs on China, okay?" Navarro said, leaving a small opening for a resolution. Navarro, a convicted felon who served time in prison and faked quotes for his book from a fictitious expert named "Ron Vara" (an anagram of his own name), is known as Trump's "trade whisperer" who echoes his boss' faith in tariffs. But he went way over the top alleging "we send a lot of dollars to India to buy their goods on unfair trade terms... India then uses US dollars to buy Russian oil." A knowledgeable Indian analyst who declined to go on record rubbished the "absurd" claim, saying India earns US dollars through "legitimate exports, not charity." Furthermore, India used those dollars to buy American products and goods, including armaments, he added, pointing out that the US is India's top trading partner, while Russia only ranks fourth. "Not to forget India buys Russian oil with a mix of currencies including rupees," he noted. New Delhi has also contested Trump's claims that India hits the US with some of the highest tariffs in the world, pointing out that he makes similar claims against Canada, even as India has brought down tariffs on a range of US exports. As for charges of non-tariff barriers imposed by India, officials say the US too has similar barriers, such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, to protect its domestic industry. While some analysts are positing that Trump's crackdown on India is a negotiating tactic, matters appear to have gone beyond that with Trump officials implicitly characterising India as a national security threat. India's quick responses, including outreach to Russia, China, and Brazil, has also triggered concerns in the strategic community that the Trump White House is alienating New Delhi and pushing it firmly into the BRICS group which the US President is trying to dismantle with a divide and rule approach. Notably, Trump has taken punitive measures against the two democracies in the group while holding fire against China. On Friday, a day after he talked to Brazil's President Lula, a post by PM Modi on X spoke of "a good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin," and conspicuously said they "reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." "I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year," the post concluded in an implicit rebuff to Trump. The US President was expected to visit India in September-November window for the Quad summit -- a trip that looks doomed unless there is a swift change in the situation. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Livingston Constituency MP Challenges Opposition Parties Over EU Trade Deal Benefits
Local businesses including Glenmorangie and Paterson shortbread are set to benefit from £9bn annual boost by 2040 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton today challenged opposition parties to explain why they oppose a new EU trade agreement that will deliver significant benefits to Scottish businesses and the wider economy. Speaking during Cabinet Office questions in the House of Commons, Mr Poynton highlighted how the deal will help world-class producers in his constituency, including Glenmorangie whisky distillery and Paterson shortbread bakery, as well as the broader Scottish salmon industry which has already welcomed the agreement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The West Lothian MP emphasised the global reputation of Scottish produce, stating that the new agreement would help Scottish businesses "grow and export world class products" including premium whisky bottled in his constituency and traditional shortbread baked locally. Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has challenged opposition parties to get behind the new EU-UK Trade Deal Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, confirmed the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will make trade with the EU "easier and cheaper" for a wide range of Scottish produce including Paterson shortbread, Lorne sausages and Scottish seed potatoes. The Minister described Mr Poynton as speaking "very powerfully for his local businesses" and confirmed that the agreement represents a significant economic opportunity for Scotland and the wider UK economy. Crucially, the Minister stated that any party seeking to reverse the agreement would need to explain why they want to remove £9 billion worth of annual economic benefits by 2040 from the UK economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Poynton questioned why the SNP, Conservatives and Reform UK have "set their face against" a deal that has been warmly welcomed by the Scottish salmon industry and other key Scottish exporters, particularly given the substantial economic benefits it will deliver. The exchange comes as the government seeks to rebuild and strengthen trade relationships with the EU following years of uncertainty, while ensuring Scottish businesses can compete effectively in international markets. The SPS agreement is expected to reduce bureaucratic barriers and costs for food and agricultural exports, making it easier for Scottish producers to access the large EU market and maintain their competitive edge in international trade.
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Northern Ireland Secretary set to meet EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic
Mr Benn will travel to Brussels for the meeting with Maros Sefcovic which comes after the announcement of the proposed SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal between the UK and EU last month. The Government has said it will make a 'huge difference to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland'. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU single market rules for goods following the UK's departure from the EU. The new deal between the UK and EU has been described as aiming to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK's internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice. It is also aimed at saving businesses hours of time and money by removing swathes of paperwork and numerous health certificates, checks and processes – with those using the red lane expected to save close to £1 million per month. Mr Benn said he will emphasise the UK Government's commitment to continue to deliver the Windsor Framework, in the meeting which the minister for EU relations Nick Thomas–Symonds will also attend. 'The agreement the UK Government recently reached with the EU will help us to deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, and shows the benefits of a closer partnership with our friends in Europe,' he said. 'I look forward to meeting with Commissioner Sefcovic today, to emphasise this Government's commitment to continuing to implement the Windsor Framework and to delivering the new SPS agreement as soon as possible. 'This will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and protect the UK's internal market.' Mr Benn added: 'Northern Ireland will, of course, continue to enjoy its unique access to the EU's single market, a key competitive advantage. 'All of this means that Northern Ireland is set to become an even more attractive destination for investment in the years ahead.' Mr Benn is also to meet representatives from the EU diplomatic community and attend a roundtable of business stakeholders including the British Agriculture Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry.
Glasgow Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Northern Ireland Secretary set to meet EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic
Mr Benn will travel to Brussels for the meeting with Maros Sefcovic which comes after the announcement of the proposed SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal between the UK and EU last month. The Government has said it will make a 'huge difference to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland'. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU single market rules for goods following the UK's departure from the EU. A freight lorry travelling through the Port of Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA) The new deal between the UK and EU has been described as aiming to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK's internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice. It is also aimed at saving businesses hours of time and money by removing swathes of paperwork and numerous health certificates, checks and processes – with those using the red lane expected to save close to £1 million per month. Mr Benn said he will emphasise the UK Government's commitment to continue to deliver the Windsor Framework, in the meeting which the minister for EU relations Nick Thomas–Symonds will also attend. 'The agreement the UK Government recently reached with the EU will help us to deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, and shows the benefits of a closer partnership with our friends in Europe,' he said. 'I look forward to meeting with Commissioner Sefcovic today, to emphasise this Government's commitment to continuing to implement the Windsor Framework and to delivering the new SPS agreement as soon as possible. 'This will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and protect the UK's internal market.' Mr Benn added: 'Northern Ireland will, of course, continue to enjoy its unique access to the EU's single market, a key competitive advantage. 'All of this means that Northern Ireland is set to become an even more attractive destination for investment in the years ahead.' Mr Benn is also to meet representatives from the EU diplomatic community and attend a roundtable of business stakeholders including the British Agriculture Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry.
South Wales Guardian
05-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Northern Ireland Secretary set to meet EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic
Mr Benn will travel to Brussels for the meeting with Maros Sefcovic which comes after the announcement of the proposed SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal between the UK and EU last month. The Government has said it will make a 'huge difference to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland'. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU single market rules for goods following the UK's departure from the EU. The new deal between the UK and EU has been described as aiming to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK's internal market, reducing costs for businesses and improving consumer choice. It is also aimed at saving businesses hours of time and money by removing swathes of paperwork and numerous health certificates, checks and processes – with those using the red lane expected to save close to £1 million per month. Mr Benn said he will emphasise the UK Government's commitment to continue to deliver the Windsor Framework, in the meeting which the minister for EU relations Nick Thomas–Symonds will also attend. 'The agreement the UK Government recently reached with the EU will help us to deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, and shows the benefits of a closer partnership with our friends in Europe,' he said. 'I look forward to meeting with Commissioner Sefcovic today, to emphasise this Government's commitment to continuing to implement the Windsor Framework and to delivering the new SPS agreement as soon as possible. 'This will facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and protect the UK's internal market.' Mr Benn added: 'Northern Ireland will, of course, continue to enjoy its unique access to the EU's single market, a key competitive advantage. 'All of this means that Northern Ireland is set to become an even more attractive destination for investment in the years ahead.' Mr Benn is also to meet representatives from the EU diplomatic community and attend a roundtable of business stakeholders including the British Agriculture Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry.
