TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

US Tariffs Set to Resume August 1; India Pushes for Balanced Trade Pact

The United States is set to reinstate suspended reciprocal tariffs starting August 1, 2025. We delve into the latest developments surrounding the Trump’s tariff move and examine India’s position in the ongoing trade talks with the US.

Hiring Employees in India: A 2025 Guide for Global Businesses

This article explores key regulations, contract types, and compliance requirements for hiring employees in India in 2025—essential guidance for global businesses entering or expanding their presence in the country.

India's Foreign Direct Investment Tracker 2025

India is actively pursuing bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with more than a dozen countries, and as of July 7, 2025, it is engaged in negotiations with key nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Oman, the European Union (EU), Switzerland, and Australia.

Apple’s Contract Manufacturers and Component Suppliers in India

Apple’s leading manufacturing partner, Foxconn, has reportedly withdrawn over 300 Chinese engineers and technical staff from its production facilities in southern India. Analysts believe that the departure may only result in short-term disruptions on the Apple assembly lines.

India’s Employment Linked Incentive Scheme Targets 35 Million Jobs Over Two Years

India's Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, launched on July 1, 2025, offers incentives to first-time employees and employers. The scheme benefits will apply to positions created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

Investing Across Borders: Opportunities in the Johor–Singapore SEZ

This publication sets out the rationale behind the Johor-Singapore SEZ, the sectors it is likely to support, and the broader context in which it is being developed. For foreign investors, it provides a starting point for understanding how the SEZ may evolve as a node within Southeast Asia’s wider investment landscape.

The China+ Strategy: Cross-Border Restructuring for Supply Chain Resilience

This issue of China Briefing magazine explores cross-border restructuring as a practical, forward-looking approach to mitigate risks without abandoning China’s manufacturing strengths and market potential.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ASIA:

[CN] India's Mandatory BIS Certification in 2025 中国产品出口印度：2025年BIS认证新规与应对指南（中文）

线上研讨会 | 2025年7月11日，星期五 | 北京时间下午4:00 / 印度时间下午1:30

Tariffs, Trust, and the China+1 Shift: What Foreign Investors Need to Know

Webinar | Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | On-air on Youtube

Investing in Malaysia 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Market Entry, Taxation, and Compliance

Webinar | Wednesday, July 23, 2025, | 3:00 PM Malaysia / 2:00 PM Jakarta / 9:00 CET