A Strong Start: India's manufacturing activity in January is at an 8 year high after a sharp rise in new business and production, giving employment a major boost

The IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index jumped to 55.3 in January 2020 from 52.7 in December 2019. It was the highest reading since February 2012 and above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction for the 30th straight month. As per the survey report, Indian manufacturers were more upbeat about the year-ahead outlook for production. Optimism stemmed from forecasts of better demand, new client wins, marketing efforts, capacity expansion and new product releases.

DGFT developing a portal to implement the vision of making each district an export hub

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry through Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has been engaging with States/ UTs to initiate preparation and implementation of a District Export Plan (DEP) specific to each district in every State/ UT through an institutional structure at the district level. The DGFT is also developing a portal that may be accessed on the DGFT website to enable the States to upload all information related to the products with export potential of every district.

To promote exports and provide assistance on best agricultural practices, APEDA organises its first ever awareness programme in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

An awareness programme was organized by Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) along with the Directorate of Industries of the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands in Port Blair on 31st January, 2020 to examine ways to promote the exports of agri products and implementation of the Agri Export Policy in the Islands. The programme was attended by around 100 participants including concerned Government agencies and some exporters from other States.

To enhance safety and security of crores of LPG users, DPIIT Notifies Quality Order for LPG Rubber Hose

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has notified Quality Control for LPG Rubber Hose for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It will come into effect from 1st August 2020. All rubber hoses used for domestic, commercial and industrial applications will have to conform to IS 9573. This will ensure enhanced safety of domestic commercial and industrial users. Rubber hose for LPG will bear this standard mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

India narrows its trade deficit with China: Exports on the rise, imports from China shrink

India's trade with China decreased from USD 89.71 billion in 2017-18 to USD 87.07 billion in 2018-19. During this period, India's imports from China declined from USD 76.38 billion in 2017-18 to USD 70.32 billion in 2018-19, and our exports grew from USD 13.33 billion in 2017-18 to USD 16.75 billion in 2018-19. As a result, India's trade deficit with China reduced from USD 63.05 billion to USD 53.57 billion in the said period.