India's&nbsp;crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports&nbsp;in&nbsp;January slipped&nbsp;from&nbsp;one-year&nbsp;highs&nbsp;hit in the previous month, though fuel demand is expected to recover as several states&nbsp;ease&nbsp;coronavirus restrictions after a decline in cases.

Crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports&nbsp;fell about 1.7% to 19.26 million tonnes last month&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;earlier, government data showed on Friday. Lower&nbsp;imports&nbsp;corresponded with the country's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand falling 0.2% on an annual basis in&nbsp;January.

It's impossible to ignore the impact of the Omicron variant of coronavirus and that along with high&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices hampered fuel demand in&nbsp;January, said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.

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"The price will continue to be a headwind as far as demand is concerned in the near-term but with the country emerging&nbsp;from&nbsp;another COVID wave, I'd expect to see it continue to recover."

January&nbsp;crude&nbsp;imports&nbsp;decreased by about 2.6%&nbsp;from&nbsp;the previous month but were 2.9% higher&nbsp;from&nbsp;pre-pandemic levels of December 2019.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its monthly report said Indian&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand is projected to increase&nbsp;by 320,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2022, which would surpass the 2019 rate by 40,000 bpd, with LPG/ethane, gasoline and naphtha rising the most.

Oil&nbsp;product&nbsp;imports&nbsp;rose 12.4% to 3.43 million tonnes&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;earlier in&nbsp;January, while exports jumped 14.4%.

Refiners in Asia are waiting to resume&nbsp;imports&nbsp;from&nbsp;Iran amid hopes of an agreement to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. A refiner&nbsp;from&nbsp;India, Iran's No. 2 customer, is in talks with Iran for sourcing its&nbsp;oil, an Indian refining source said.

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India's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports&nbsp;from&nbsp;Iraq surged to a 29-month high last month, data&nbsp;from&nbsp;shipping and industry sources showed.

January&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports&nbsp;of&nbsp;India's&nbsp;Reliance Industries, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, jumped about 8.3%&nbsp;from&nbsp;December.

India's crude oil imports in January slipped from one-year highs hit in the previous month, though fuel demand is expected to recover as several states ease coronavirus restrictions after a decline in cases.

India's crude oil imports in January slipped from one-year highs hit in the previous month, though fuel demand is expected to recover as several states ease coronavirus restrictions after a decline in cases. Crude oil imports fell about 1.7% to 19.26 million tonnes last month from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday. Lower imports corresponded with the country's oil demand falling 0.2% on an annual basis in January. It's impossible to ignore the impact of the Omicron variant of coronavirus and that along with high oil prices hampered fuel demand in January, said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA. Also read | Bill Gates to address BioAsia in fireside chat with KTR "The price will continue to be a headwind as far as demand is concerned in the near-term but with the country emerging from another COVID wave, I'd expect to see it continue to recover." January crude imports decreased by about 2.6% from the previous month but were 2.9% higher from pre-pandemic levels of December 2019. The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its monthly report said Indian oil demand is projected to increase by 320,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2022, which would surpass the 2019 rate by 40,000 bpd, with LPG/ethane, gasoline and naphtha rising the most. Oil product imports rose 12.4% to 3.43 million tonnes from a year earlier in January, while exports jumped 14.4%. Refiners in Asia are waiting to resume imports from Iran amid hopes of an agreement to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. A refiner from India, Iran's No. 2 customer, is in talks with Iran for sourcing its oil, an Indian refining source said. Also read | NPCI to deploy UPI payments platform in Nepal, 1st outside India India's oil imports from Iraq surged to a 29-month high last month, data from shipping and industry sources showed. January oil imports of India's Reliance Industries, owner of the world's biggest refining complex, jumped about 8.3% from December.

India's Jan crude oil imports ease from one-year highs

Standoff between the United States and Mexico over Avocados continues. The United States department of agriculture has said that US imports of new Mexican avocado will stay suspended for as long as necessary to ensure safety of American inspectors who were threatened verbally in Mexico.

United States suspend Mexican avocado imports

Giving a thumbs-up to&nbsp;agricultural trade, India has decided to allow imports of US pork and its products into the country, Washington's Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Monday. &nbsp;

In a statement, Tai said, "India's agreement to allow US pork imports for the first time is great news for US producers and for Indian consumers." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The US has been trying to ensure the domestic pork industry could begin shipping products to India as soon as possible, said Vilsack. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The deal has come after around two decades of efforts to seek market access for US pork to India, Vilsack added. &nbsp;

The US was the world’s third-largest pork producer and second-largest exporter in 2020 as the global sales of the pork and its products were valued at $7.7 billion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The US exported agricultural products worth over $1.6 billion to India in FY 2021. &nbsp;

In New Delhi last November, India and the US had agreed to expand trade of some agricultural products. The decision was taken at a revived US-India Trade Policy Forum. The agricultural products included US cherries, alfalfa and distiller dried grains as well as Indian grapes, mangoes, shrimp and water buffalo meat. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Giving a thumbs-up to agricultural trade, India has decided to allow imports of US pork and its products into the country, Washington's Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Monday.

Giving a thumbs-up to agricultural trade, India has decided to allow imports of US pork and its products into the country, Washington's Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Monday. In a statement, Tai said, "India's agreement to allow US pork imports for the first time is great news for US producers and for Indian consumers." Also Read: Omicron's sub-lineage replaces Delta, becomes dominant strain in most Indian states The US has been trying to ensure the domestic pork industry could begin shipping products to India as soon as possible, said Vilsack. The deal has come after around two decades of efforts to seek market access for US pork to India, Vilsack added. The US was the world’s third-largest pork producer and second-largest exporter in 2020 as the global sales of the pork and its products were valued at $7.7 billion. Also Read: Indian Army to unveil a new combat uniform on Army Day The US exported agricultural products worth over $1.6 billion to India in FY 2021. In New Delhi last November, India and the US had agreed to expand trade of some agricultural products. The decision was taken at a revived US-India Trade Policy Forum. The agricultural products included US cherries, alfalfa and distiller dried grains as well as Indian grapes, mangoes, shrimp and water buffalo meat. (With inputs from agencies)

In a thumbs-up to agricultural trade, India to allow imports of US pork, say officials

In a move to push back against China's Uyghur abuse, US President Joe Biden has signed a law virtually banning all imports from Xinjiang. Watch this report for more.

US President Joe Biden bans all imports from Chinese region of Xinjiang owing to human rights abuse

US President Joe Biden signs law banning all imports from Xinjiang

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.&nbsp;

Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed.&nbsp;

Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20.&nbsp;

Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. &nbsp;

The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD.&nbsp;

The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter.&nbsp;

India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21.&nbsp;

In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually.&nbsp;

The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).&nbsp;

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data.

Gold imports, which have a bearing on the country's current account deficit (CAD), rose by 22.58 per cent to USD 34.6 billion (about Rs 2.54 lakh crore) during 2020-21 due to increased domestic demand, according to the Commerce Ministry data. Silver imports during the last fiscal, however, dipped by 71 per cent to about USD 791 million. Imports of the yellow metal stood at USD 28.23 billion (about Rs 2 lakh crore) in 2019-20, the data showed. Despite growth in gold imports, the country's trade deficit narrowed to USD 98.56 billion during 2020-21 as against USD 161.3 billion in 2019-20. Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Colin Shah said that increasing domestic demand is pushing up imports of gold. The demand for gold would further increase on account of forthcoming auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and marriage season which could increase the CAD. The CAD is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. India's current account swung to a deficit for the first time in the current fiscal, with the gap coming at USD 1.7 billion or 0.2 per cent of the GDP in the December quarter. India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of jewellery industry. Gems and jewellery exports declined by 27.5 per cent to USD 26 billion in April-March 2020-21. In volume terms, the country imports 800-900 tonnes of gold annually. The government in the Budget reduced the import duty on the yellow metal from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent (7.5 per cent customs duty plus 2.5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess).

Gold imports rise by 22.58% to $34.6 bn in 2020-21 

With hope to restore trade ties with India, Pakistan is likely to import cotton from India. Pakistan takes this decision after a shortage of cotton yarn in the country.

Pakistan: Cotton yarn shortage may lead to import from India

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US&nbsp;goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US&nbsp;presidential election.

However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.

Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously.

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Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain.

Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute.

Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader.

The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter.

Boeing shares fell 2%.

The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings.

The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response."

Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution.

The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground.

The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs.

RYANAIR LEVERAGE

The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries.

The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election.

The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%.

But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX.

On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use.

Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports.

The European Union on Tuesday won the right to impose tariffs on $4 billion of US goods in retaliation against subsidies for planemaker Boeing, deepening a record trade spat that has already prompted Washington to slap duties on EU imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff award, which confirms a decision first reported by Reuters on Sept 30, threatens to intensify transatlantic trade tensions just three weeks ahead of the US presidential election. However, negotiators on both sides say it could also lead at last to discussions to resolve a 16-year legal battle over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Both the United States and the EU have signalled interest in settling the dispute over planemaker subsidies, while accusing the other of refusing to talk seriously. Also read: EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier Tuesday's decision, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, follows a WTO ruling last year allowing Washington to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion in EU goods over state support for Airbus, which has sites in Britain, France, Germany and Spain. Combined, the two cases represent the world's largest ever corporate trade dispute. Consuming thousands of pages of testimony and an estimated $100 million in costs since 2004, the aircraft spat has tested the resolve of the WTO, which is busy selecting a new leader. The state of Washington has since repealed an aerospace tax break that benefited Boeing, while Airbus has announced it will increase loan repayments for the A350 plane to France and Spain in bids to settle the matter. Boeing shares fell 2%. The U.S. government said there was no legal basis for the European Union to impose tariffs since the contested measure had been eliminated, a view echoed by Boeing, which said it had already complied with WTO findings. The EU says the same is true of U.S. tariffs imposed against subsidies to the A380 plane which is being taken out of production. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said any move by the EU to slap tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. airplanes and other goods would be "plainly contrary to WTO principles and will force a U.S. response." Airbus, which also says it has obeyed WTO rulings, said global trade judges had "spoken" and that the EU could therefore impose tariffs, while calling for an agreed solution. The European Commission said it would pull back from imposing duties if Washington withdrew its tariffs on European goods such as wine and whisky. The two sides could then work together to find common ground. The spirits industry on both sides of Atlantic urged restraint and an end to tariffs. EU producers have already been hit and U.S. makers are in EU cross hairs. RYANAIR LEVERAGE The Commission has drawn up a list of U.S. products it could target including planes, wine, spirits, suitcases, tractors, frozen fish, and produce from dried onions to cherries. The earliest it could act is after a WTO meeting on Oct 26, but few analysts expect it to do so before the U.S. election. The $4 billion tariff window means European airlines that import Boeing jets could have to pay tariffs expected to match U.S. border taxes on Europe-built Airbus jets, currently 15%. But Boeing's top European customer Ryanair has called on Boeing to pay the tariffs and is expected to use this as leverage in negotiations to buy more of its grounded 737 MAX. On top of Tuesday's $4 billion, European sources have said the EU could also use dormant tariffs on a further $4 billion of U.S. products left over from an earlier case, giving it firepower similar to that which Washington is able to use. Dismissing this, U.S. sources say the previous award, allowing the EU to retaliate against former perks for U.S. exporters, is no longer valid and that the balance of awards demonstrates Airbus is more to blame for distorting trade.

EU wins tariff clearance on $4 billion of US imports in Boeing case

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with.

The new regulation, put in place on July 23, comes after a border clash between India and China that killed 20 Indian soldiers and soured relations between the two neighbours.

Since the new order was issued, state refiners have been inserting a clause in their import tenders on new rules restricting dealings with companies from countries sharing a border with India, the sources said and the tender documents show.

Last week, Indian state refiners decided to stop sending crude import tenders to Chinese trading firm like CNOOC Ltd, Unipec and PetroChina, among others, one of the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-serious-situation-after-1962-external-affairs-minister-dr-s-jaishankar-on-india-china-border-clash-323427">Also read|&nbsp;Most serious situation after 1962: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on India-China border clash</a>

To participate in Indian tenders, the July 23 order makes registration with a department in the federal commerce ministry `mandatory` for any bidders from nations sharing a border with India.

India shares borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan, but the government statement did not name any specific country.

State refiners, which control 60% of India`s 5 million barrel-per-day refining capacity, regularly tap spot markets for crude.

India is the world`s third biggest oil consumer and importer and imports nearly 84% of its oil needs. China does not export crude to India but Chinese firms are major traders of the commodity globally.

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Chinese companies also hold equity stakes in many oilfields across the globe ranging from the Middle East to Africa and the Americas and often submit competitive bids in crude import tenders by Indian state refiners.

National Interest

Indian state refiners have also decided not to deal with China Aviation Oil (Singapore), PetroChina and subsidiaries of Unipec among others for fuel imports, and have stopped chartering Chinese tankers for imports, sources said.

"There is no impact from the tanker ban and refined fuel imports restrictions as we hardly hire Chinese vessels and our (state refiners`) refined fuel imports are also almost nil except for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)," a second source said.

State refiners will, however, take delivery of crude in tankers linked to China if the import tender was awarded on a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) basis, where the seller arranges the ships, the sources said.

State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

CNOOC, PetroChina and Unipec parent Sinopec also did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while China Aviation Oil declined comment.

India has surplus refining capacity. Most refiners are operating their plants at below capacity as COVID-19-related restrictions have dented fuel demand.

"Nowadays our own requirement is very less, so these new rules are not hurting much. But at some point in time we will definitely be impacted by the new conditions. But we need to think of the larger picture and the national interest, also," a third source said.

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with.

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with. The new regulation, put in place on July 23, comes after a border clash between India and China that killed 20 Indian soldiers and soured relations between the two neighbours. Since the new order was issued, state refiners have been inserting a clause in their import tenders on new rules restricting dealings with companies from countries sharing a border with India, the sources said and the tender documents show. Last week, Indian state refiners decided to stop sending crude import tenders to Chinese trading firm like CNOOC Ltd, Unipec and PetroChina, among others, one of the sources said. Also read| Most serious situation after 1962: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on India-China border clash To participate in Indian tenders, the July 23 order makes registration with a department in the federal commerce ministry `mandatory` for any bidders from nations sharing a border with India. India shares borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan, but the government statement did not name any specific country. State refiners, which control 60% of India`s 5 million barrel-per-day refining capacity, regularly tap spot markets for crude. India is the world`s third biggest oil consumer and importer and imports nearly 84% of its oil needs. China does not export crude to India but Chinese firms are major traders of the commodity globally. Also watch| China fires 2 missiles in warning to US Chinese companies also hold equity stakes in many oilfields across the globe ranging from the Middle East to Africa and the Americas and often submit competitive bids in crude import tenders by Indian state refiners. National Interest Indian state refiners have also decided not to deal with China Aviation Oil (Singapore), PetroChina and subsidiaries of Unipec among others for fuel imports, and have stopped chartering Chinese tankers for imports, sources said. "There is no impact from the tanker ban and refined fuel imports restrictions as we hardly hire Chinese vessels and our (state refiners`) refined fuel imports are also almost nil except for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)," a second source said. State refiners will, however, take delivery of crude in tankers linked to China if the import tender was awarded on a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) basis, where the seller arranges the ships, the sources said. State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNOOC, PetroChina and Unipec parent Sinopec also did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while China Aviation Oil declined comment. India has surplus refining capacity. Most refiners are operating their plants at below capacity as COVID-19-related restrictions have dented fuel demand. "Nowadays our own requirement is very less, so these new rules are not hurting much. But at some point in time we will definitely be impacted by the new conditions. But we need to think of the larger picture and the national interest, also," a third source said.

Indian state refiners halt oil imports from Chinese companies: Sources

The coronavirus will be deadly even for those not infected by it. The virus from China is choking the jugular vein of human survival. Also read: Coronavirus: Drones in Italy measure temperature and issue fines too Food: A near-universal lockdown has meant that farmers across the world have no way to take their products out of the farms.

The coronavirus will be deadly even for those not infected by it. The virus from China is choking the jugular vein of human survival. Also read: Coronavirus: Drones in Italy measure temperature and issue fines too Food: A near-universal lockdown has meant that farmers across the world have no way to take their products out of the farms. Also read: Simulation shows how single droplet of coronavirus cough can spread in supermarket Food is not reaching people for consumption. A lot of it is perishable and left with no choice, many farmers are dumping what they've grown. On the one hand, food is being thrown away. On the other, shelves in grocery stores lie empty. Panic buying is making matters worse The coronavirus pandemic has snapped global food supply chains and this is serious because food supply chains provide 80 per cent of all food consumed in the world. Lockdowns have led to transport restrictions. Air, sea and land transport have all been hit and that has hampered the movement of food. Airfreight planes have been largely grounded and shipping containers are hard to find with ports stuck with huge backlog of uncleared shipments. Food trucks and lorries are in short supply, making deliveries of fresh food increasingly difficult blocking shipments of vegetables from Africa to Europe and fruits from South America to the United States. It was disrupted last week, the world food program assured that they have adequate stock of staple food supplies to deal with the current crisis. But things are going from bad to worse. Fear of food shortages has led to countries cutting back on food exports. Russia, the world’s largest wheat producer, has suspended exports of processed grains like buckwheat and oat flakes. Vietnam, a major exporter of rice, has stopped exports altogether so has India, a major producer of rice. The problem doesn't end there, India fears crop losses on a wide scale. The lockdown has sent masses of workers to home farms and markets don't have the labour force needed to keep the wheels turning and staple crops like wheat face the threat of rotting on the fields. In the United States too migrant workers comprise the bulk of farm and agriculture labour. The lockdown has meant a chronic shortage of hands. It's the same story in Europe, border closures have cut off the inflow of labourers. Farms doing spring planting in the UK are struggling to find workers to pick crops like strawberries and lettuce. It's not a situation that will be resolved in a hurry. Lockdowns are being extended the world over and the long-term impact on global food supply could be devastating. The United Nations’ food and agriculture organisation has warned of a price hike. Countries that import food are rushing to stock up staple foods and pushing up prices. Experts say the number of people going hungry around the world could increase dramatically in the coming months with reports warning the world of a looming famine.

Global coronavirus impact: Panic buying, transport disruption and looming famine

Malaysia said on Tuesday it would look to increase imports of crude sugar and buffalo meat from India, after reports that New Delhi was considering restricting imports of palm oil from Malaysia following the criticism of its actions in Kashmir.

Malaysia is the world's second-largest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, and the edible oil contributed to 2.8 per cent&nbsp;of its gross domestic product last year. Malaysian palm oil futures fell for a third straight session on Tuesday, hitting their lowest in nearly two weeks.

"These steps will be taken in light of India's importance as our third-largest export destination in 2018 for palm oil and palm-based products worth $1.63 billion," Teresa Kok, the Malaysian minister in charge of the palm oil portfolio, said in a statement.

India is one of the biggest producers of sugar and buffalo meat in the world.

Reuters reported last week that India was considering restricting imports of some products from Malaysia, including palm oil after Kuala Lumpur criticised New Delhi for its actions in Kashmir.

India stripped its portion of the Kashmir valley of statehood and autonomy on August&nbsp;5, cutting internet and phone lines and arresting thousands in an attempt to dampen dissent.

Kok said she was aware of the news on "issues that threaten the good ties between Malaysia and India" and that Malaysia was open to negotiations with New Delhi on narrowing the trade deficit between the two countries.

Malaysia's exports to India stood at $10.8 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, while imports totalled $6.4 billion.

Some Indian traders said refiners had already stopped buying Malaysian palm oil for shipment in November and December, fearing New Delhi could raise import taxes or enforce other measures to curb imports from the Southeast Asian country.

Twitter users in India and Malaysia have already sparred with each other - a #BoycottMalaysia call recently trended on social media in India - after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the U.N. general assembly last month that India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.

India's foreign ministry rebuked the Malaysian government after that, asking it to "bear in mind the friendly relations between the two countries and desist from making such comments".

Malaysia said on Tuesday it would look to increase imports of crude sugar and buffalo meat from India, after reports that New Delhi was considering restricting imports of palm oil from Malaysia following the criticism of its actions in Kashmir.

Malaysia said on Tuesday it would look to increase imports of crude sugar and buffalo meat from India, after reports that New Delhi was considering restricting imports of palm oil from Malaysia following the criticism of its actions in Kashmir. Malaysia is the world's second-largest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia, and the edible oil contributed to 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product last year. Malaysian palm oil futures fell for a third straight session on Tuesday, hitting their lowest in nearly two weeks. "These steps will be taken in light of India's importance as our third-largest export destination in 2018 for palm oil and palm-based products worth $1.63 billion," Teresa Kok, the Malaysian minister in charge of the palm oil portfolio, said in a statement. India is one of the biggest producers of sugar and buffalo meat in the world. Reuters reported last week that India was considering restricting imports of some products from Malaysia, including palm oil after Kuala Lumpur criticised New Delhi for its actions in Kashmir. India stripped its portion of the Kashmir valley of statehood and autonomy on August 5, cutting internet and phone lines and arresting thousands in an attempt to dampen dissent. Kok said she was aware of the news on "issues that threaten the good ties between Malaysia and India" and that Malaysia was open to negotiations with New Delhi on narrowing the trade deficit between the two countries. Malaysia's exports to India stood at $10.8 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, while imports totalled $6.4 billion. Some Indian traders said refiners had already stopped buying Malaysian palm oil for shipment in November and December, fearing New Delhi could raise import taxes or enforce other measures to curb imports from the Southeast Asian country. Twitter users in India and Malaysia have already sparred with each other - a #BoycottMalaysia call recently trended on social media in India - after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the U.N. general assembly last month that India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan. India's foreign ministry rebuked the Malaysian government after that, asking it to "bear in mind the friendly relations between the two countries and desist from making such comments".

Malaysia offers to buy more imports from India after threat of palm oil curbs

Pakistan Has Banned Imports From India. This Has Taken A Heavy Toll On Pakistan's Healthcare Sector

Gravitas: Khan's Kashmir-obsession hurts patients in Pakistan

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heightened-us-china-tensions-science-suffers-collateral-damage-228220"> trade war between the world`s two largest economies</a>.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-china-trade-war-the-levers-they-can-pull-224809">US-China trade war: The levers they can pull</a>

China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House.

China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website.

"They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move."

On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent&nbsp;from 25 per cent&nbsp;on the goods.

Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets.

"I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something."

Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions.

Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released.&nbsp;

The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal.

"The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note.&nbsp;

"There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said.

Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs.&nbsp;

Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries.

Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere.

Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy.

China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US&nbsp;Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent&nbsp;levy on about $50 billion of US imports.

In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months.

The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement.

The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy.

ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts.

Talks

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord.

For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access.

Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints.

The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States.

Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute.

Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods. Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating trade war between the world`s two largest economies. Also read-- US-China trade war: The levers they can pull China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House. China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website. "They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move." On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent from 25 per cent on the goods. Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets. "I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something." Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions. Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released. The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal. "The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note. "There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said. Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs. Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries. Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere. Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy. China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent levy on about $50 billion of US imports. In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months. The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement. The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy. ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts. Talks Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints. The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States. Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute. Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

As ‘goodwill gesture', US will delay 5% boost in tariffs on Chinese imports: Trump

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/customs-duty-on-all-goods-imported-from-pakistan-hiked-to-200-arun-jaitley-197808">imposition of 200 per cent customs duties </a>on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

On February 16 this year, taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">strong economic action against Pakistan</a> following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore.

According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India.

According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties.

The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool.

During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million.

India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19.

The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear.

India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body.

India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated.

Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack. On February 16 this year, taking strong economic action against Pakistan following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore. According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India. According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties. The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool. During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million. India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19. The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear. India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body. India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated. Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan plunge 92% in March after imposition of 200% customs duties

India fears China could soon start flooding excess steel into its market after the United States raised tariffs on Chinese products due to the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.

India worried of excess Chinese steel exports after US-China trade war

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn. Watch this video for complete details.

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing.&nbsp;

India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy.

In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China.

In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China.

Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China.&nbsp;

The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion.

China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">The first informal summit took place in Wuhan</a> in April 2018.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year. India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing. India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy. In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China. In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China. Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China. The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion. China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. The first informal summit took place in Wuhan in April 2018.

India in talks with China for early announcement of Chinese import quotas

Sri Lanka has halted imports of Johnson &amp; Johnson Baby Powder until the company proves its product is free from cancer-causing asbestos, two government officials and the product's local distributor told Reuters.

Stocks of the product already in Sri Lanka can still be sold, but there will be no new imports of the talc, a popular healthcare product across Sri Lanka and much of Asia, until J&amp;J India, from where Sri Lanka imports the product, provides fresh test results.

On December 14, Reuters reported that the US drugs and consumer products group knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder, leading to tests in several countries, including in India.

The report was based on thousands of pages of company memos, internal reports, and other confidential documents.

J&amp;J has described the Reuters story as "one-sided, false, and inflammatory".

Kamal Jayasinghe, chief executive of Sri Lanka's National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), which is part of the health ministry, said it had informed the distributor, A Baur &amp; Co, that it would require further tests for it to continue importing the powder.

"We have held their re-registration and informed the distributor to submit quality reports from an accredited laboratory to ensure there is no asbestos in their products,” Jayasinghe told Reuters.

The license for A Baur &amp; Co to import the product expired in December, a second person at the NMRA said.

Shalutha Perera, head of the consumer for A Baur, told Reuters the firm has informed J&amp;J in India of the suspension of the licensing process.

"J&amp;J India directly handles all the regulatory matters," he said.

Perera said the NMRA contacted A Baur in December regarding new asbestos testing.

A spokeswoman for J&amp;J India declined to comment on the halt of shipments to Sri Lanka but said the company "is in full compliance with current Indian regulatory requirements for the manufacturing and testing of our talc".

"We are fully cooperating with the Indian government and are awaiting results from their testing," she added.

The spokeswoman said the product was routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure it is free of asbestos.

Sri Lanka has halted imports of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder until the company proves its product is free from cancer-causing asbestos, two government officials and the product's local distributor told Reuters.

Sri Lanka has halted imports of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder until the company proves its product is free from cancer-causing asbestos, two government officials and the product's local distributor told Reuters. Stocks of the product already in Sri Lanka can still be sold, but there will be no new imports of the talc, a popular healthcare product across Sri Lanka and much of Asia, until J&J India, from where Sri Lanka imports the product, provides fresh test results. On December 14, Reuters reported that the US drugs and consumer products group knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder, leading to tests in several countries, including in India. The report was based on thousands of pages of company memos, internal reports, and other confidential documents. J&J has described the Reuters story as "one-sided, false, and inflammatory". Kamal Jayasinghe, chief executive of Sri Lanka's National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), which is part of the health ministry, said it had informed the distributor, A Baur & Co, that it would require further tests for it to continue importing the powder. "We have held their re-registration and informed the distributor to submit quality reports from an accredited laboratory to ensure there is no asbestos in their products,” Jayasinghe told Reuters. The license for A Baur & Co to import the product expired in December, a second person at the NMRA said. Shalutha Perera, head of the consumer for A Baur, told Reuters the firm has informed J&J in India of the suspension of the licensing process. "J&J India directly handles all the regulatory matters," he said. Perera said the NMRA contacted A Baur in December regarding new asbestos testing. A spokeswoman for J&J India declined to comment on the halt of shipments to Sri Lanka but said the company "is in full compliance with current Indian regulatory requirements for the manufacturing and testing of our talc". "We are fully cooperating with the Indian government and are awaiting results from their testing," she added. The spokeswoman said the product was routinely tested by both suppliers and independent labs to ensure it is free of asbestos.

Sri Lanka halts imports of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder pending asbestos tests

President Xi Jinping on Monday pledged to widen access to China's economy, while delivering a veiled rebuke to Trumpism, as he kicked off an import fair amid growing foreign accusations his government was backtracking on grand reform promises.

Xi said China would "step up" efforts to stimulate imports, lower tariffs, ease customs clearance procedures, and implement harsh punishments for intellectual property infringements.

"It is our sincere commitment to open the Chinese market," Xi said in an address opening the event in Shanghai.

He added that China would endeavour to "foster a world-class business environment" and that China's doors will open "ever wider".

But he also pushed back at foreign pressure in comments clearly aimed at Donald Trump, who has started a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

"They should not just point fingers at others to gloss over their own problems," Xi said, decrying "protectionism", "isolationism" and confrontation.

"They should not hold a flashlight in hand, doing nothing but highlighting the weaknesses of others and not their own."

Beijing frames the first annual China International Import Expo as a sign of its commitment to open markets despite mounting criticism to the contrary and the worsening trade war with Washington, which has seen both sides impose punitive tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods.

Organisers say more than 3,000 foreign companies from 130 countries including the United States and Europe will put their products on display for potential Chinese buyers at the expo, including General Motors, Ford, Microsoft, Samsung, Walmart and Tesla.

Promise fatigue&nbsp;

Xi's latest commitment to abide by world trade practices was light on specifics, however, and it remained to be seen whether it will satisfy an increasingly impatient foreign business community.

In a speech at Davos nearly two years ago, Xi presented China as a beacon of globalisation in a counterpoint to Trump.

But trading partners and foreign enterprises say he is yet to put his money where his mouth is, and they are tired of empty promises.

Foreign businesses complain about a range of policies that benefit local firms, requirements that foreign companies form joint ventures with Chinese partners, forced technology transfers, rampant intellectual property violations and restrictive red tape.

Foreign business surveys indicate that the playing field in China is actually worsening as Xi champions a strong-China message not unlike Trump's "America First" platform.

The EU Chamber of Commerce last week urged Xi to "move past the rhetoric" on trade and put in place real and significant opening measures.

The event is being attended by several foreign heads of government including Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Pakistani premier Imran Khan.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta voiced the foreign impatience when he told the opening ceremony that his country's growing trade with China was "heavily skewed" in Beijing's favour.

"It is important for us therefore to correct the existing trade imbalance to enable a fair share of the benefits of trade," he said.

US snub&nbsp;

China ranks 59th out of the 62 countries evaluated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in terms of openness to foreign direct investment.

Xi has said the expo proves China is willing to reduce its huge trade surpluses with other countries.

But US officials say that amounts to China trying to buy its way out of criticism with a short-term import bump rather than real reform.

Washington has snubbed the gathering by not sending high-level representation.

But the lure of China's market remains strong and the US contingent includes even tech giants such as Facebook, which is blocked in China, and Google, which pulled out years ago over censorship and cyber-attacks.

Both are seen as eyeing new ways into China.

Experts say the week-long expo is also a message by Beijing that, as it pivots from an export-based economy toward one relying more on the buying power of its 1.4 billion people, other countries will need to work with China if they want a piece of that action.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates will join a business forum, but the touchy optics of attending a China import expo at a time of trade tensions means few big-name American CEOs are confirmed.

President Xi Jinping on Monday pledged to widen access to China's economy, while delivering a veiled rebuke to Trumpism, as he kicked off an import fair amid growing foreign accusations his government was backtracking on grand reform promises.

President Xi Jinping on Monday pledged to widen access to China's economy, while delivering a veiled rebuke to Trumpism, as he kicked off an import fair amid growing foreign accusations his government was backtracking on grand reform promises. Xi said China would "step up" efforts to stimulate imports, lower tariffs, ease customs clearance procedures, and implement harsh punishments for intellectual property infringements. "It is our sincere commitment to open the Chinese market," Xi said in an address opening the event in Shanghai. He added that China would endeavour to "foster a world-class business environment" and that China's doors will open "ever wider". But he also pushed back at foreign pressure in comments clearly aimed at Donald Trump, who has started a trade war between the world's two largest economies. "They should not just point fingers at others to gloss over their own problems," Xi said, decrying "protectionism", "isolationism" and confrontation. "They should not hold a flashlight in hand, doing nothing but highlighting the weaknesses of others and not their own." Beijing frames the first annual China International Import Expo as a sign of its commitment to open markets despite mounting criticism to the contrary and the worsening trade war with Washington, which has seen both sides impose punitive tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods. Organisers say more than 3,000 foreign companies from 130 countries including the United States and Europe will put their products on display for potential Chinese buyers at the expo, including General Motors, Ford, Microsoft, Samsung, Walmart and Tesla. Promise fatigue Xi's latest commitment to abide by world trade practices was light on specifics, however, and it remained to be seen whether it will satisfy an increasingly impatient foreign business community. In a speech at Davos nearly two years ago, Xi presented China as a beacon of globalisation in a counterpoint to Trump. But trading partners and foreign enterprises say he is yet to put his money where his mouth is, and they are tired of empty promises. Foreign businesses complain about a range of policies that benefit local firms, requirements that foreign companies form joint ventures with Chinese partners, forced technology transfers, rampant intellectual property violations and restrictive red tape. Foreign business surveys indicate that the playing field in China is actually worsening as Xi champions a strong-China message not unlike Trump's "America First" platform. The EU Chamber of Commerce last week urged Xi to "move past the rhetoric" on trade and put in place real and significant opening measures. The event is being attended by several foreign heads of government including Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Pakistani premier Imran Khan. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta voiced the foreign impatience when he told the opening ceremony that his country's growing trade with China was "heavily skewed" in Beijing's favour. "It is important for us therefore to correct the existing trade imbalance to enable a fair share of the benefits of trade," he said. US snub China ranks 59th out of the 62 countries evaluated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in terms of openness to foreign direct investment. Xi has said the expo proves China is willing to reduce its huge trade surpluses with other countries. But US officials say that amounts to China trying to buy its way out of criticism with a short-term import bump rather than real reform. Washington has snubbed the gathering by not sending high-level representation. But the lure of China's market remains strong and the US contingent includes even tech giants such as Facebook, which is blocked in China, and Google, which pulled out years ago over censorship and cyber-attacks. Both are seen as eyeing new ways into China. Experts say the week-long expo is also a message by Beijing that, as it pivots from an export-based economy toward one relying more on the buying power of its 1.4 billion people, other countries will need to work with China if they want a piece of that action. Microsoft founder Bill Gates will join a business forum, but the touchy optics of attending a China import expo at a time of trade tensions means few big-name American CEOs are confirmed.

Xi says China to 'step up' market opening, raise imports

Reeling from the adverse effects surging imports, Sri Lanka today proposed a 15 per cent tax on gold.

The country has been grappling with a deficit in trade and an increased pressure on its exchange rate.

The tax has been reintroduced after five years owing to a rapid spike in imports.

A finance ministry official noted that it is believed that some duty-free imported gold in Sri Lanka is being smuggled out to other countries that have high customs duties in place.&nbsp;

According to reports, Sri Lanka, this year, has already imported gold equivalent to the total amount of its imported precious metal in the year 2016 estimated at 8,000 kilograms. Last year the country imported over 15,000 kilograms of gold.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's foreign exchange outflow that facilitated such humongous import gold has also caused damage to its foreign reserves and the value of its rate of currency. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's foreign exchange outflow that facilitated such humongous import gold has also caused damage to its foreign reserves

Reeling from the adverse effects surging imports, Sri Lanka today proposed a 15 per cent tax on gold. The country has been grappling with a deficit in trade and an increased pressure on its exchange rate. The tax has been reintroduced after five years owing to a rapid spike in imports. A finance ministry official noted that it is believed that some duty-free imported gold in Sri Lanka is being smuggled out to other countries that have high customs duties in place. According to reports, Sri Lanka, this year, has already imported gold equivalent to the total amount of its imported precious metal in the year 2016 estimated at 8,000 kilograms. Last year the country imported over 15,000 kilograms of gold. Sri Lanka's foreign exchange outflow that facilitated such humongous import gold has also caused damage to its foreign reserves and the value of its rate of currency.

Sri Lanka's new tax on gold aims at curbing imports

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminium next week.

At a meeting with US&nbsp;industry officials at the White House, Trump vowed to rebuild American steel and aluminium industries, saying they had been treaded unfairly by other countries for decades.

The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks.

An early morning tweet from Trump that said the steel and aluminium sectors needed protecting from unfair trade drove shares in domestic industries sharply higher.&nbsp;

AK Steel Holding was up 2.8 percent, US&nbsp;Steel Corp was up 2.3 percent and Nucor rose 1 percent. By contrast, industrial stocks such as Boeing fell, with traders citing tariffs, which would hit manufacturers.

The administration says duties would protect US&nbsp;industry, but critics say they would raise costs for industry and fail to deliver on a campaign pledge to boost domestic jobs.

Trump tweeted on Thursday that American steel and aluminium companies needed &quot;free, fair and smart trade&quot;. Trump has indicated he favors a duty of 24 percent on steel imports.

The administration has also cited national security interests for its action, saying the United States needs domestic supply for its tanks and warships. The Department of Defense has recommended targeted steel tariffs and a delay in aluminium duties.

Although China only accounts for two percent of US&nbsp;steel imports, its massive industry expansion has helped produce a global glut of steel that has driven down prices.

China has indicated it could retaliate against US&nbsp;steel tariffs by targeting imports of US&nbsp;agricultural commodities, such as soybeans of which America is the largest supplier.&nbsp;

Trade tensions between the United States and China have risen since Trump took office in 2017 and the administration is also pushing on what it regards as forced technology transfers to China.&nbsp;

Shares of Asian steel producers such as South Korea&#39;s POSCO and Nippon Steel fell overnight.

Few more jons from tariffs

While American steelmakers have lost three quarters of their jobs between 1962 and 2005, a major study by the American Economic Association showed that much of this had been due to improved production technology as output per worker rose fivefold.

&quot;Thus, even if trade protection leads to increased domestic production, increases in employment may be far less than many hope,&quot; a report from the highly-regarded independent Econofact economist network said last week.

Consumers of steel and aluminium have lobbied hard against the tariffs. Econofact said in its report that two million jobs were in industries that use steel &quot;intensively&quot;, including auto parts, household appliances, farm machinery and oil equipment.

Jobs in the consuming industries are concentrated in California, Texas, the Northeastern and Midwestern states that comprise the rust belt and states in the Southeast.

&quot;Across many states, the number of jobs adversely affected in these steel-using industries could far exceed any steel jobs saved,&quot; Econofact warned.

&quot;Past experience also shows that unilateral action like Section 232 tariffs will invite retaliation &mdash; the Bush-era steel tariffs led many countries to target politically sensitive US&nbsp;exports like Florida oranges and North Carolina textiles.&quot; 
&nbsp;

The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminium next week. At a meeting with US industry officials at the White House, Trump vowed to rebuild American steel and aluminium industries, saying they had been treaded unfairly by other countries for decades. The move is likely to increase tensions with China, whose top trade official Lui He is in Washington for trade talks. An early morning tweet from Trump that said the steel and aluminium sectors needed protecting from unfair trade drove shares in domestic industries sharply higher. AK Steel Holding was up 2.8 percent, US Steel Corp was up 2.3 percent and Nucor rose 1 percent. By contrast, industrial stocks such as Boeing fell, with traders citing tariffs, which would hit manufacturers. The administration says duties would protect US industry, but critics say they would raise costs for industry and fail to deliver on a campaign pledge to boost domestic jobs. Trump tweeted on Thursday that American steel and aluminium companies needed "free, fair and smart trade". Trump has indicated he favors a duty of 24 percent on steel imports. The administration has also cited national security interests for its action, saying the United States needs domestic supply for its tanks and warships. The Department of Defense has recommended targeted steel tariffs and a delay in aluminium duties. Although China only accounts for two percent of US steel imports, its massive industry expansion has helped produce a global glut of steel that has driven down prices. China has indicated it could retaliate against US steel tariffs by targeting imports of US agricultural commodities, such as soybeans of which America is the largest supplier. Trade tensions between the United States and China have risen since Trump took office in 2017 and the administration is also pushing on what it regards as forced technology transfers to China. Shares of Asian steel producers such as South Korea's POSCO and Nippon Steel fell overnight. Few more jons from tariffs While American steelmakers have lost three quarters of their jobs between 1962 and 2005, a major study by the American Economic Association showed that much of this had been due to improved production technology as output per worker rose fivefold. "Thus, even if trade protection leads to increased domestic production, increases in employment may be far less than many hope," a report from the highly-regarded independent Econofact economist network said last week. Consumers of steel and aluminium have lobbied hard against the tariffs. Econofact said in its report that two million jobs were in industries that use steel "intensively", including auto parts, household appliances, farm machinery and oil equipment. Jobs in the consuming industries are concentrated in California, Texas, the Northeastern and Midwestern states that comprise the rust belt and states in the Southeast. "Across many states, the number of jobs adversely affected in these steel-using industries could far exceed any steel jobs saved," Econofact warned. "Past experience also shows that unilateral action like Section 232 tariffs will invite retaliation — the Bush-era steel tariffs led many countries to target politically sensitive US exports like Florida oranges and North Carolina textiles."

US to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium imports

Pakistan has put a halt to import of cotton and other agricultural produce from India through the Wagah border and Karachi port.

According to a report in Pakistani daily Dawn, the department of plant protection (DPP) order affects import of vegetables among other produce. Permits will be required for future imports.

The decision comes amid escalating tension between the two neighbours and Pakistani claims that Indian troops had targeted a passenger bus and an ambulance near the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three of its soldiers and 10 civilians on Wednesday, as per Dawn.

Cotton importers and customs clearing agents claimed that the department had stopped the import of agriculture commodities from India without a warning or written order because of increase in tensions across the LoC.

DPP director Sahabzada Imran Shami, however, said the step was taken as Pakistan already had a surplus of fresh vegetables.

&ldquo;We have stopped import of tomatoes and other fresh vegetables in order to protect our farmers. We have enough tomato and other vegetables stocks, which we import from India only in case of shortages in the domestic market,&rdquo; he told Dawn on Friday.

Shami said the cotton imports from India had not been stopped, but suspended over reports that &quot;Indian exporters are not meeting our bio-security conditions&rdquo;.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re looking into these reports and will lift restriction on cotton imports if our apprehensions are proved wrong.&rdquo;

(WION)

The move comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two countries.Pakistan says?it was because of its surplus vegetable produce

Pakistan has put a halt to import of cotton and other agricultural produce from India through the Wagah border and Karachi port. According to a report in Pakistani daily Dawn, the department of plant protection (DPP) order affects import of vegetables among other produce. Permits will be required for future imports. The decision comes amid escalating tension between the two neighbours and Pakistani claims that Indian troops had targeted a passenger bus and an ambulance near the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three of its soldiers and 10 civilians on Wednesday, as per Dawn. Cotton importers and customs clearing agents claimed that the department had stopped the import of agriculture commodities from India without a warning or written order because of increase in tensions across the LoC. DPP director Sahabzada Imran Shami, however, said the step was taken as Pakistan already had a surplus of fresh vegetables. “We have stopped import of tomatoes and other fresh vegetables in order to protect our farmers. We have enough tomato and other vegetables stocks, which we import from India only in case of shortages in the domestic market,” he told Dawn on Friday. Shami said the cotton imports from India had not been stopped, but suspended over reports that "Indian exporters are not meeting our bio-security conditions”. “We’re looking into these reports and will lift restriction on cotton imports if our apprehensions are proved wrong.” (WION)

Pakistan 'halts' import of Indian veggies, cotton

Indian manufacturers of finished steel goods are urging New Delhi to end tariffs on cheap imports of the alloy from China, Japan and South Korea, worried the protectionist measures may cost them billions in lost overseas sales.&nbsp; 
 
India put the tariffs in place in February to ensure a minimum import price (MIP) for 173 steel products, mainly to guard against cheap Chinese exports of around 10 million tonnes a month of items such as hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel that have undercut US European and Asian producers.&nbsp; 
 
The gambit to protect India&#39;s domestic steelmakers is threatening export revenues earned by engineering and manufacturing companies as artificially high prices for a primary raw material for everything from home appliances to ships make their products uncompetitive in foreign markets.&nbsp; 
 
The MIP policy has hit engineering firms especially hard. These mostly small- to mid-sized companies together export goods worth $56 billion a year, a fifth of India&#39;s shipped merchandise, made at least partly with steel now priced 15 per cent higher on average than at end-2015 and up to 30 per cent more than Chinese imports.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;My input cost is 40 per cent higher than other nations. How will my finished product compete?&quot; Pankaj Chaddha, CEO of Jyoti Steel Industries, said of the MIP tariffs.&nbsp; 
 
Jyoti Steel, a Mumbai manufacturer of stainless steel wire and carbon steel bright bars, cut 50 of its 300 jobs after MIP was introduced, and its output slumped by 22 per cent in the April-June quarter.&nbsp; 
 
Chaddha said he would have to lay off another 50 contract workers if the policy was extended past its August 5 expiry date. 
 
Also hanging over India&#39;s steel sector is a separate recommendation that the government enact anti-dumping duties on imports of hot-rolled steel products from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia. 
 
 
Cold-roll steel mills shut down 
 
Indian prices of hot-rolled steel, used to make pipes, rods, cars, ships and industrial machinery, rose by more than 15 per cent to 37,000 rupees ($554) a tonne between December and early May, according to the latest data available. 
 
Chinese prices moved from $270 a tonne in December to $420 a tonne in April, before softening again.&nbsp; 
 
Trade body EEPC India said engineering goods exports would drop 10 per cent this year if MIP is extended. The group has gone before the trade ministry several times to ask that the import policy be allowed to lapse, and members have also met with the steel ministry on the issue.&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s indebted steel sector, though, struggling with low profit amid a global supply glut, has lobbied hard for it to be kept in place.&nbsp;By making foreign steel too expensive, domestic steelmakers such as Steel Authority of India, Tata Steel and JSW Steel have been able to raise prices.&nbsp; 
 
But higher prices, besides hampering exporters, have pushed steel processing firms such as Adhunik Metaliks, Jayaswal Neco and Sujana Metal Products into losses.&nbsp; 
 
About 20 of 60 mills on his membership list have shut, said SC Mathur, executive director of Cold Rolled Steel Manufacturers Association of India. 
 
&quot;Others are operating at 40-50 per cent of capacity and incurring losses.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
 
Not just India vs China 
 
China, the world&#39;s largest steel manufacturer and consumer, produced 804 million tonnes last year, about half of global supply, using just 70 per cent of its capacity.&nbsp; 
 
India, along with the United States, Europe and others, has said that even as Beijing works to downsize its overblown sector, Chinese mills are exporting their excess supply. 
 
India, the world&#39;s third-largest producer with an estimated output of 90 million tonnes, consumed about 80 million tonnes of finished steel in the year through March 2016.&nbsp;It imported about 11 million tonnes that year, according to the steel ministry&#39;s Joint Plant Committee (JPC), with China supplying around 47 per cent.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

A price policy to protect Indian markets from cheap imports are affecting cold-roll steel mills

Indian manufacturers of finished steel goods are urging New Delhi to end tariffs on cheap imports of the alloy from China, Japan and South Korea, worried the protectionist measures may cost them billions in lost overseas sales. India put the tariffs in place in February to ensure a minimum import price (MIP) for 173 steel products, mainly to guard against cheap Chinese exports of around 10 million tonnes a month of items such as hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel that have undercut US European and Asian producers. The gambit to protect India's domestic steelmakers is threatening export revenues earned by engineering and manufacturing companies as artificially high prices for a primary raw material for everything from home appliances to ships make their products uncompetitive in foreign markets. The MIP policy has hit engineering firms especially hard. These mostly small- to mid-sized companies together export goods worth $56 billion a year, a fifth of India's shipped merchandise, made at least partly with steel now priced 15 per cent higher on average than at end-2015 and up to 30 per cent more than Chinese imports. "My input cost is 40 per cent higher than other nations. How will my finished product compete?" Pankaj Chaddha, CEO of Jyoti Steel Industries, said of the MIP tariffs. Jyoti Steel, a Mumbai manufacturer of stainless steel wire and carbon steel bright bars, cut 50 of its 300 jobs after MIP was introduced, and its output slumped by 22 per cent in the April-June quarter. Chaddha said he would have to lay off another 50 contract workers if the policy was extended past its August 5 expiry date. Also hanging over India's steel sector is a separate recommendation that the government enact anti-dumping duties on imports of hot-rolled steel products from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia. Cold-roll steel mills shut down Indian prices of hot-rolled steel, used to make pipes, rods, cars, ships and industrial machinery, rose by more than 15 per cent to 37,000 rupees ($554) a tonne between December and early May, according to the latest data available. Chinese prices moved from $270 a tonne in December to $420 a tonne in April, before softening again. Trade body EEPC India said engineering goods exports would drop 10 per cent this year if MIP is extended. The group has gone before the trade ministry several times to ask that the import policy be allowed to lapse, and members have also met with the steel ministry on the issue. India's indebted steel sector, though, struggling with low profit amid a global supply glut, has lobbied hard for it to be kept in place. By making foreign steel too expensive, domestic steelmakers such as Steel Authority of India, Tata Steel and JSW Steel have been able to raise prices. But higher prices, besides hampering exporters, have pushed steel processing firms such as Adhunik Metaliks, Jayaswal Neco and Sujana Metal Products into losses. About 20 of 60 mills on his membership list have shut, said SC Mathur, executive director of Cold Rolled Steel Manufacturers Association of India. "Others are operating at 40-50 per cent of capacity and incurring losses." Not just India vs China China, the world's largest steel manufacturer and consumer, produced 804 million tonnes last year, about half of global supply, using just 70 per cent of its capacity. India, along with the United States, Europe and others, has said that even as Beijing works to downsize its overblown sector, Chinese mills are exporting their excess supply. India, the world's third-largest producer with an estimated output of 90 million tonnes, consumed about 80 million tonnes of finished steel in the year through March 2016. It imported about 11 million tonnes that year, according to the steel ministry's Joint Plant Committee (JPC), with China supplying around 47 per cent. (Reuters)

India's anti-China steel tariffs harm engineering, manufacturing firms

The cottage cheese crackles like popcorn, emits a greyish smoke and finally goes up in flames, burning for an impressive ten minutes, like a well-oiled torch. 
 
The noxious experiment, filmed and posted last month by Russian news website Fontanka, concluded that some dairy sold around Saint Petersburg does not actually contain any milk and is &quot;good only for filling kerosene lamps&quot;. 
 
Though authorities closed one factory making the combustible cheese, the problem of milkless dairy, meatless sausages and other questionable products worry both government agencies and Russian shoppers amid a recession and a food embargo that left shelves empty of Western food imports. 
 
&quot;We decided to show that it&#39;s a systematic problem,&quot; said Fontanka reporter Venera Galeyeva, on the quest to expose other fake foods since her cheese-burning video went viral. 
 
&quot;The problem is not one specific producer. Globally the problem is that Russia does not have enough milk.&quot; 
 
Moscow has enforced an embargo on imports of most foods from the West since August 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. 
 
On Friday Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev officially signed off on extending the embargo until the end of 2017. 
 
Closing the market off from European parmesan and brie has created a booming domestic industry, but as milk production has not grown, many producers are forced to get creative, misleading consumers. 
 
&quot;There is a milk deficit,&quot; said Vadim Semikin of the Institute for Agriculture Market Studies, giving a rough estimate of eight million tonnes last year. 
 
At the same time, palm oil imports grew by 25 per cent in 2015, he said, and companies use it to substitute for milk. 
 
&#39;Falling quality&#39; 
 
Russia has claimed that the embargo is a good opportunity to support the country&#39;s agriculture. 
 
On Thursday, Medvedev argued that extending it for another 18 months was dictated by the &quot;need to create comfortable and predictable conditions for our farmers&quot;. 
 
But the government&#39;s own analytical department concluded in April that Russian consumers have been the losers, observing a trend of &quot;falling quality&quot; of products and &quot;appearance of fake cheese products on the market.&quot; 
 
In a sign of the scope of the problem, Russia&#39;s agriculture watchdog this year began to publish a &quot;List of Honest Ones&quot; of companies which actually use milk and cream to make their dairy foods. 
 
Others use anything from water to &quot;starch, chalk, soap, baking soda, lime&quot; and even plaster to dilute and conserve milk, the watchdog said last week, scandalising the milk industry. 
 
&quot;Most domestic producers take advantage of the non-competitive market and don&#39;t rush to make good products,&quot; said Irina Tikhmyanova, spokeswoman for Roscontrol, a consumer protection NGO. 
 
Sixty per cent of 46 Russian dairy products tested by the group were recently shown to contain surrogates, she said. For meat products, the figure was even higher. 
 
Though recent polls showed that people are noticing food quality go down, many Russians still embrace the embargo. 
 
In a June poll by Levada centre independent pollster, 40 per cent of respondents said they were against allowing European products into Russia - up from 31 per cent in March 2015. 
 
Galeyeva of Fontanka said Russians with shrinking disposable incomes would just have to keep buying fake cheese as prices grow. 
 
&quot;When you have just 300 Rubles ($4.70) to feed your family for the week, you won&#39;t be so picky,&quot; she said. 
 
(AFP)

Rising problem of milk-less dairy, meatless sausages and other questionable products amid recession and an embargo on Western food imports

The cottage cheese crackles like popcorn, emits a greyish smoke and finally goes up in flames, burning for an impressive ten minutes, like a well-oiled torch. The noxious experiment, filmed and posted last month by Russian news website Fontanka, concluded that some dairy sold around Saint Petersburg does not actually contain any milk and is "good only for filling kerosene lamps". Though authorities closed one factory making the combustible cheese, the problem of milkless dairy, meatless sausages and other questionable products worry both government agencies and Russian shoppers amid a recession and a food embargo that left shelves empty of Western food imports. "We decided to show that it's a systematic problem," said Fontanka reporter Venera Galeyeva, on the quest to expose other fake foods since her cheese-burning video went viral. "The problem is not one specific producer. Globally the problem is that Russia does not have enough milk." Moscow has enforced an embargo on imports of most foods from the West since August 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. On Friday Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev officially signed off on extending the embargo until the end of 2017. Closing the market off from European parmesan and brie has created a booming domestic industry, but as milk production has not grown, many producers are forced to get creative, misleading consumers. "There is a milk deficit," said Vadim Semikin of the Institute for Agriculture Market Studies, giving a rough estimate of eight million tonnes last year. At the same time, palm oil imports grew by 25 per cent in 2015, he said, and companies use it to substitute for milk. 'Falling quality' Russia has claimed that the embargo is a good opportunity to support the country's agriculture. On Thursday, Medvedev argued that extending it for another 18 months was dictated by the "need to create comfortable and predictable conditions for our farmers". But the government's own analytical department concluded in April that Russian consumers have been the losers, observing a trend of "falling quality" of products and "appearance of fake cheese products on the market." In a sign of the scope of the problem, Russia's agriculture watchdog this year began to publish a "List of Honest Ones" of companies which actually use milk and cream to make their dairy foods. Others use anything from water to "starch, chalk, soap, baking soda, lime" and even plaster to dilute and conserve milk, the watchdog said last week, scandalising the milk industry. "Most domestic producers take advantage of the non-competitive market and don't rush to make good products," said Irina Tikhmyanova, spokeswoman for Roscontrol, a consumer protection NGO. Sixty per cent of 46 Russian dairy products tested by the group were recently shown to contain surrogates, she said. For meat products, the figure was even higher. Though recent polls showed that people are noticing food quality go down, many Russians still embrace the embargo. In a June poll by Levada centre independent pollster, 40 per cent of respondents said they were against allowing European products into Russia - up from 31 per cent in March 2015. Galeyeva of Fontanka said Russians with shrinking disposable incomes would just have to keep buying fake cheese as prices grow. "When you have just 300 Rubles ($4.70) to feed your family for the week, you won't be so picky," she said. (AFP)

Russia's food embargo creates counterfeit dairy industry

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