Today’s trade landscape for India and beyond brings a mix of warnings and opportunities — as India’s trade deficit hits a record, new digital tools for exporters are rolled out, and bilateral trade talks gain momentum. On November 18, 2025, exporters, importers and sourcing firms should take note of these trends.
At EximHub.pro, we track such shifts to help businesses refine sourcing strategy, market access, and risk management. Below is the curated roundup of major trade-news items for the day.
1. India’s Trade Deficit Hits Record as Exports Slump
Source: The Business Standard / Economic Times – “India’s goods trade deficit widened to a record ~$41 billion in October, exports down ~11.8%”. The Business Standard+2The Economic Times+2
India’s merchandise exports in October fell by ~11.8% year-on-year to about US$34.4 billion while imports rose to roughly US$76.1 billion, resulting in a trade deficit close to US$41 billion. Major factors: a three-fold surge in gold imports to US$14.7 billion and a widening oil import bill. The Economic Times+1
Why it matters:
- For Indian exporters: demand weakness, currency/headwinds, supply-chain cost pressures.
- For global buyers sourcing from India: reassess cost-structures, consider alternate sourcing markets or product-mix shifts.
EximHub Insight:
If your business is linked to Indian exports or supply-chains, consider refining your market strategy, hedging exposures, and evaluating alternate sourcing hubs. See our India Export Support section.
2. Launch of Trade Intelligence & Analytics Portal for Indian Exporters
Source: Press Information Bureau – “Piyush Goyal launches Trade Intelligence & Analytics (TIA) Portal”. Press Information Bureau
The Indian Ministry of Commerce launched the TIA Portal to provide deeper trade-data and analytics access to importers, exporters, start-ups & MSMEs. The portal is expected to help businesses, even in remote regions, utilise free trade agreements (FTAs) more effectively.
Why it matters:
- Exporters and MSMEs now have improved access to trade-data, helping refine their strategy, optimise markets, and accelerate growth.
- Access to FTA-tools can help reduce cost and improve competitiveness.
EximHub Insight:
We recommend all exporters and sourcing companies based in or sourcing from India to integrate the portal into their operations. Use our Export Growth & Market Access services to combine this data-tool with strategic advisory.
3. India-US Trade Talks Show Signs of Progress
Source: Economic Times / HDFC Sky – “India Signals Progress on Proposed Trade Pact with US.” The Economic Times+1
India’s Commerce Minister has noted that trade negotiations with the United States are “at an advanced stage”, emphasising that any deal must be equitable, protecting the interests of Indian farmers, fishermen and small-industries. There’s strong ambition to double goods and services trade with the US to US$500 billion by 2030.
Why it matters:
- For Indian exporters: a favourable deal could unlock major new market access and reduce tariff-barriers.
- For importers of Indian goods: potential improved supply-chain certainty, cost stability and diversification from other origins.
EximHub Insight:
If your business is linked to India-US trade, track developments closely. Prepare now by reviewing your export readiness, compliance structure and contract-terms. Leverage our Trade Finance & Compliance advisory.
What Exporters & Importers Should Do Now
- Reassess the Indian export-environment in light of the record trade-deficit: rethink product-mix, sourcing cost, and hedging strategy.
- Utilise new digital trade-tools (like the TIA Portal) to gain competitive advantage and better market-intelligence.
- For bilateral trade-linked businesses (India-US market): get ready for potential deal-changes, update supplier contracts, pricing, and logistics accordingly.
- Visit EximHub.pro for bespoke advisory, market-access road-maps and trade-risk support.
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