India’s recent move to restrict port access for several Bangladeshi imports is poised to significantly disrupt Dhaka’s dollar-earning export sectors, especially garments and processed goods. The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on May 17, redirects shipments from traditional land ports to just two seaports Nhava Sheva and Kolkata impacting port logistics in supply chain operations between the two nations. As per the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the measure could affect up to $770 million worth of imports, or 42% of Bangladesh’s total exports to India. Garments, the country’s top export category, brought in $618 million between April 2024 and February 2025. These shipments will now rely exclusively on sea routes, sidelining key land crossings through West Bengal and India’s northeastern region routes that have long been integral to shipping ports and freight handling. Additionally, about $153 million worth of products including flavored drinks, plastic goods, wooden furniture, and cotton waste are now entirely barred from land-route access. However, essential commodities like LPG, edible oils, fish, and crushed stones remain exempt. Transit goods headed to Nepal and Bhutan via India also face no restrictions. While India has not officially cited geopolitical motives, analysts view the move as a countermeasure to Bangladesh’s recent trade barriers on Indian goods, such as a yarn ban, and transit fee imposition actions that broke from earlier duty-free arrangements under regional cooperation. This shift raises questions about escalating India port congestion and the broader role of smart port and supply chain systems in resolving such tensions. According to Ajay Srivastava of GTRI, these restrictions may represent a strategic response by India, which is already navigating port congestion in India and broader regional supply chain complexities.
Domestic brokerage firm Nuvama has reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating on Delhivery, citing a strong Q4 FY25 performance, particularly in the company’s Part-Truckload (PTL) segment. PTL revenue surged 24%, propelled by a 19% increase in volume and a 5% rise in realisation. The segment also achieved record EBITDA margins of 10.8%, a significant improvement from 2.2% a year earlier, thanks to improved yields, better fleet utilization, and operating leverage marking a strong case study in supply chain management efficiency. Delhivery's express parcel segment also grew modestly, with revenue up 3% and a 1% increase in volume and 2% in realisation. According to Nuvama, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on consolidation in the express parcel space, particularly with its proposed acquisition of e-com Express (awaiting CCI approval), a strategic move that reflects emerging trends in digital supply chain transformation and SCM innovations in India. The brokerage raised its EBITDA estimates for the company by 8–13% year-on-year, driven by PTL’s robust performance. Nuvama also increased the stock’s target price to ₹430 from ₹380, projecting continued momentum based on aggressive PTL expansion, lower capex, and strategic acquisitions. These factors position Delhivery as a frontrunner in the future of supply chain management. With rising monthly volumes since April, Delhivery is expected to gain market share and pricing power, which could help margins rebound to 16% in FY25. The logistics player continues to be an example of how supply chain demand planning and supply chain management can drive profitability in a dynamic logistics sector. Delhivery’s growth trajectory and innovation will likely be a key topic at upcoming forums like the Supply Chain Leadership Summit and other best supply chain events in India, as industry leaders seek new strategies in electronic supply chain management, supply chain financing, and future supply chain tracking.
The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced on May 19 that it submitted a formal opinion to the U.S. Department of Commerce, voicing concerns over the ongoing Section 232 national security investigation under the U.S. Trade Expansion Act. The submission, made on May 16 the final day for stakeholder feedback focuses on safeguarding South Korea’s position in the international trade supply chain of critical minerals. The investigation, initiated by the U.S. on April 22, seeks to determine whether imports of processed critical minerals and related products pose a risk to national security. Based on the findings, Washington may impose new trade restrictions or tariffs, which could affect international trade and supply chain management globally. KITA argued that South Korean exports of processed critical minerals do not threaten U.S. national security and should be excluded from Section 232 actions. The association emphasized Korea’s leadership as chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and diversifying the global trade and supply chain management of critical minerals. Highlighting Korea’s role as a strategic ally, KITA urged the U.S. to consider the long-standing partnership in the MSP, which includes key players in the international trade and supply chain network. The association further emphasized that South Korea's involvement enhances global stability and supports secure exim in supply chain operations for all member countries, including the U.S.
Despite China issuing some export licenses for rare earth materials, particularly to firms serving European clients, approvals remain sluggish and insufficient to meet growing demand. The delay is causing widespread concern among manufacturers across Europe. “The window to avoid significant damage to production in Europe is rapidly closing,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, board member of the Federation of German Industries, in a statement to the Financial Times. Volkswagen confirmed that its German plants had received limited rare earth supplies, noting that only a few licenses were granted to its suppliers. Other European companies continue to face serious disruptions in their export supply chain management due to China’s stringent and unclear export procedures. One executive described the situation as “untenable.” China’s new export rules require exporters to submit end-use certificates to prevent military diversion or re-export to the U.S. However, both exporters and buyers report that compliance remains confusing and difficult. India’s Mahindra & Mahindra criticized the certification process as opaque, while a Chengdu-based supplier said any military-related applications are immediately rejected.
The Kerala government has approved a special package of ₹3 crore for the Agriculture Department to procure paddy from the Kuttanad region, where several ‘Paadasekharams’ have been affected by saline water intrusion, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad announced on Thursday. Due to the poor quality of the harvested paddy, mill owners refused to accept the produce, prompting the government to intervene. As a solution, Oil Palm India has been tasked with the procurement of the affected paddy. The Agriculture Department will evaluate the quality, and the Director of Agriculture will fix the purchase price accordingly. The Director has also been instructed to assess the scale of crop loss in the region.Around 70 ‘Paadasekharams’ in areas including Alappuzha municipality, Punnapra North, Thakazhi, Karuvatta, Ambalappuzha South, Nedumudi, Kainakari, and Pulinkunnu have reported damage due to saline water, which has led to a drop in both the quality and quantity of the paddy harvest.
Anand Dhabu
India Business Head for Super sonic India & Head Global SCM & Procurement, Assudamal & Sons (HK) LimitedAnupam Shrotary
Head of Supply Chain India and South East Asia, Kimberly ClarkRitesh Kumar
Co-Founder & CEO, TranZactVijay Kumar Jadhav
Program Manager: SCM & Facilities Excellence, EatonIncrease your brand visibility and thought leadership in Industry
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