Download Unicorn Signals App

By EquityPandit

EquityPandit

EquityPandit
ECONOMY

Small, Medium Businesses Get Relief on GST Interest, Late Fee

Equitypandit_GST
At the meeting, state finance ministers will share their proposals for the 2025-26 Budget.

The government has announced a late fee waiver on the filing of goods and services tax (GST) returns for March and April, besides reducing interest rates on late payments, according to orders issued by the finance ministry on Saturday. The move is expected to provide some relief to businesses, which are required to report monthly transactions and pay GST by the end of the following month.

The Centre on the advice of the GST Council has also given additional time till May 31 to the tax authorities for completing statutory proceedings, which would otherwise have to be settled between April 15 and May 30. Taxpayers also get extra time to file relevant documents and appeals.

According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, businesses with up to Rs.5 crore in sales will have no interest liability for late payments for March and April, for 15 days after the due date. For the following fortnight, they will have to pay 9 per cent annual interest, before the usual 18 per cent rate kicks in. Small businesses filing quarterly or monthly returns will also get the same benefits for the two months.

The Centre has also waved off late fee charges for the monthly summary returns to be filed for transactions in March and April. While businesses with up to Rs.5 crore in sales will get late fee waiver for a month from the due date, larger businesses will have a 15-day window, according to the orders. States will also be issuing corresponding orders. Late fee waiver for small businesses, which file quarterly returns, but pay taxes every month too have been given an additional 30-day window.

In view of the second wave, the Centre said tax authorities, commissions, tribunals, and consultants will get additional time till May 31 to pass orders and issue notices, or grant sanctions and approvals. This will apply to certain processes such as filing appeals under GST laws and sending replies, reports, documents, and records.

Get Daily Prediction & Stocks Tips On Your Mobile


I would like to receive communication from EquityPandit via sms, email, whatsapp, Google RCS for offers, updates etc.
ECONOMY

India’s Oilmeal Exports Fall 21% to Rs 12,171 Crore in FY25; Volumes Down 11%

Dhruva Kulkarni

India’s oilmeal exports declined by 21% to Rs 12,171 crore in FY25, driven mainly by an 11% fall in overall export volumes, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).

During the last financial year, India exported 43.42 lakh tonnes of oilmeals, down from 48.85 lakh tonnes in FY24. The decline was primarily due to reduced shipments of rapeseed and castorseed meals, SEA said in a statement.

Regarding value, exports dropped from Rs 15,368 crore in FY24 to Rs 12,171 crore in FY25, reflecting lower international demand and decreased volumes, SEA Executive Director B V Mehta confirmed.

You Might Be Interested In

Among major buyers, Bangladesh remained the largest importer of Indian oilmeals despite political challenges. The country imported 7.42 lakh tonnes in FY25, 17% lower than the 8.93 lakh tonnes imported the previous year.

South Korea emerged as the second-largest buyer with 6.99 lakh tonnes of oilmeals imported in the fiscal year, representing a 16% drop from the previous year. Thailand followed as the third-largest importer, buying 4.48 lakh tonnes in FY25 — a 25% fall from 6.33 lakh tonnes in FY24.

The drop in exports across key markets indicates shifting demand dynamics and possible challenges for Indian exporters, particularly in maintaining momentum amid global uncertainties.

Curious About FMCG Stocks? Ask the Analyst.

Unlock profitable opportunities every day! Unicorn Signals provides actionable intraday trading signals for stocks and futures. Don’t miss out – download Unicorn Signals and start winning now!

ECONOMYWORLD

Japan’s Export Growth Cools as Trump Tariffs Take Effect

Dhruva Kulkarni

Japan’s export growth cooled in March as Donald Trump’s tariff campaign began to impact trade flows, starting with steep levies on steel and aluminium.

Exports by value rose 3.9% from a year earlier, driven by cars and chip-making machinery, but missed the expected 4.4% rise. Imports increased 2%, led by medical goods, below the 3.1% forecast.

Despite the slower export pace, Japan maintained a trade surplus of ¥544.1 billion ($3.8 billion), supporting the economy as domestic consumption remains weak under inflationary pressure. However, the outlook is clouded by escalating US trade measures and retaliatory actions from other countries.

Japan’s trade surplus with the US rose for a third month to ¥847 billion. However, concerns are growing that Japanese companies may cut shipments to the US, especially after reports of Jaguar and Audi halting exports. A 25% US tariff on steel and aluminium took effect in March, followed by a similar duty on cars in early April.

You May Find This Interesting

Formal talks between Japan’s trade chief Ryosei Akazawa and US counterpart Scott Bessent began this week, with Japan still seeking tariff relief. Trump briefly joined the discussions, having paused a 24% tariff plan for three months. Still, Japan faces a 10% baseline levy.

Japan’s exports to the US rose just 3.1% in March, down sharply from 10.5% in February. Shipments to China fell 4.8%, and to Europe dropped 1.1%. Japan, unlike others, has chosen not to retaliate.

Analysts warn that Japanese car exports to the US could fall further in April. The yen averaged 149.55 to the dollar in March, slightly weaker than a year ago. While currency issues were expected to come up in trade talks, Akazawa said they weren’t discussed — despite Trump’s past criticism of Japan’s weaker yen boosting exports.

The export slowdown reflects business caution amid global uncertainty — a troubling sign for an economy heavily reliant on external demand. Japan saw modest growth in late 2024, but with weak consumer spending and fragile global markets, economists expect a sharper slowdown in early 2025.

Curious About A Stock? Ask the Analyst.

Ready to invest like a pro? Unicorn Signals app equips you with 100+ Free tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Download the Unicorn Signals app and gain access to daily stock lists and insightful market analysis and much more!

ECONOMY

Lemon Prices Skyrocket 400% in a Month, What’s Driving the Surge?

Dhruva Kulkarni

Lemon prices have surged nearly four times a month, with retail prices now around Rs 120 per kilogram, raising consumer concerns.

Typically, lemon prices rise in summer, but this year’s sharp increase came early. Wholesale prices in March were around Rs 3,000 per quintal, jumping to Rs 12,000 by mid-April.

Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, known as the “lemon capital of India,” has seen the steepest price hikes due to stockpiling by exporters, creating a supply shortage.

You May Find This Interesting

The surge in international demand, driven by rising global temperatures, has put pressure on domestic supply chains. India, which exports 18-20% of the world’s lemons, has seen increased global orders, especially from the Middle East.

While trade tensions and tariffs have been a concern, they have had little impact on lemon exports, mainly to countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Weather disruptions in key lemon-growing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have also contributed to the shortage. Prices are expected to remain high until domestic supplies stabilise.

FMCG Stocks Insights? Let the Analyst Guide You.

Unlock profitable opportunities every day! Unicorn Signals provides actionable intraday trading signals for stocks and futures. Don’t miss out – download Unicorn Signals and start winning now!

ECONOMYINDIA

India’s Trade Deficit Rebounds to $21.5 Bn in March After 3-Year Low

Dhruva Kulkarni

India’s merchandise trade deficit widened sharply to $21.54 billion in March, reversing the relief seen in February when it had narrowed to a three-year low of $14.05 billion.

The spike came as imports surged to $64.51 billion from $50.96 billion in February, outpacing the rise in exports, which increased to $41.97 billion from $36.91 billion.

For the full financial year 2024-25, merchandise exports remained largely flat at $437.42 billion. However, non-petroleum exports reached a record high of $374 billion, growing 6% over the previous year. The Commerce Ministry also estimates overall exports for FY25 to be $820 billion, which could be the highest ever.

You Might Be Interested In

On the import front, all major categories saw growth except coal and briquettes. Key increases were seen in petroleum products at $185.78 billion, electronics at $98.73 billion, gold at $58.01 billion, and machinery at $53.55 billion.

Meanwhile, strong export growth was recorded in electronics, garments, tea, plastics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and key agricultural items like coffee, rice, and tobacco.

Curious About A Stock? Ask the Analyst.

Ready to invest like a pro? Unicorn Signals app equips you with 100+ Free tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Download the Unicorn Signals app and gain access to daily stock lists and insightful market analysis and much more!

ECONOMY

India Plans to Export 40,000 Tonnes of Shrimp to US After Tariff Pause

Dhruva Kulkarni

India’s seafood exporters are preparing to ship 35,000–40,000 tonnes of shrimp to the US after President Trump paused a 26% tariff hike on 9th April, reducing it to 10% and offering relief to the industry.

Around 2,000 delayed containers are now being readied for export under the revised tariff.

Indian shrimp exports to the US currently face a total duty of 17.7%, including countervailing and anti-dumping duties, which exporters typically bear under delivery duty-paid arrangements.

You May Find This Interesting

The 90-day pause allows existing orders to be fulfilled without extra costs.

The US remains India’s top shrimp market, and exporters are urging the government to push for fairer trade terms before the temporary relief ends.

Stay Ahead with Seafood Stocks. Ask the Analyst.

Unicorn Signals’ IPO screener helps you identify promising initial public offerings. Download Unicorn Signals and get ahead of the curve! Sign Up Now & Find Your Next IPO Gem!

@2025 - www.equitypandit.com. All Right Reserved.
Latest
IPO
Weekly
Outlook

Stock
Market
Prediction