DEV Community: Harshit Agarwal

India’s Total Exports Surge to Record $824.9 Billion in FY 2024–25, Driven by Services and Non-Petroleum Merchandise Growth

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:10:02 +0000

India has achieved a historic milestone in its trade performance, with total exports reaching an all-time high of US$824.9 billion in the financial year 2024–25, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and published by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This figure represents a 6.01% increase over the US$778.1 billion exported in 2023–24, marking a significant leap in the country’s economic trajectory.

Services Sector Leads the Way

One of the standout contributors to this impressive growth is the services sector, which continues to play a pivotal role in India’s export strategy. Services exports hit a record US$387.5 billion, showing a 13.6% rise from US$341.1 billion in the previous financial year.

For March 2025 alone, India’s services exports stood at US$35.6 billion, a remarkable 18.6% year-on-year growth compared to US$30.0 billion in March 2024. These figures underscore the increasing global competitiveness and demand for Indian IT, consulting, financial, and business services. Notably, the computer and information services industry, encompassing IT, consulting, financial, and business services, accounted for approximately 68% of total service exports. This underscores India's robust standing in IT outsourcing, software development, and digital services.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/india-export-growth-2024-25-services-merchandise-record/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

360tf OpsAssist: Optimising Trade Finance Efficiency

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 07:05:03 +0000

Challenge

A multinational trading company found itself struggling with trade finance complexities. The team faced persistent challenges, including delayed invoice processing, compliance risks, and high operational costs. These inefficiencies led to frequent transaction bottlenecks, errors, and constant firefighting with banks and suppliers.

A critical moment forced the team to act. Specifically, an LC processing delay stalled a major shipment. Consequently, this obstacle put a high-value contract at risk. Therefore, the company prioritised a quick resolution to protect the agreement. The company urgently needed a fast, reliable, and compliant solution to streamline trade finance operations.

Solution

Under mounting pressure, the company partnered with 360tf, who swiftly deployed their OpsAssist solution to tackle these challenges. The key interventions included:

Invoice Processing: Instead of enduring repeated delays, a dedicated expert ensured accuracy and timely invoice approvals, eliminating inefficiencies.

LC Verification & Coordination: When an urgent LC amendment was needed, the expert liaised seamlessly with banks and clients, preventing costly shipment disruptions.

Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Proactive monitoring of transactions ensured strict regulatory adherence, minimising penalties and operational risks. With 360tf handling these critical functions, the company regained control over its trade finance operations, reduced errors, and ensured seamless transaction flow.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/trade-finance-optimisation-with-360tf-opsassist/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Decoding Factoring: Your Secret Weapon for Cash Flow Success

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:57:40 +0000

In the fast-paced world of business, managing receivables effectively is crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow and operational efficiency. Factoring is a financial solution that allows companies to sell their outstanding invoices to a specialised institution, known as a factor, in exchange for immediate funds.

This process helps businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), overcome cash flow constraints caused by delayed payments. Unlike traditional loans, it is based on the creditworthiness of the company’s customers rather than the company itself, making it accessible even to those with limited credit history.

In 2025, India’s factoring market is expanding rapidly, supported by government initiatives and increased awareness. According to recent data, the Indian factoring industry is growing at an annual rate exceeding 7%, reflecting its rising importance in trade finance and working capital management.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/decoding-factoring-cash-flow-success/
For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Tariffs & Trade Impact: How Tariffs Reshape Global Supply Chains

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:54:33 +0000

Introduction

Tariffs are more than just government-imposed taxes on imported goods, they are strategic levers that can trigger massive shifts in global trade flows and supply chain architecture. In today’s interconnected world, a single policy decision can set off a chain reaction across industries, influencing everything from where products are sourced to how much consumers pay at the checkout counter.

This article explores some of the most significant ways tariffs have restructured global supply chains in recent years, highlighting real-world examples and data-driven insights.

🏭 1. Tariffs as Catalysts for Supply Chain Reengineering

The U.S.-China trade war provides one of the clearest modern examples of tariffs reshaping supply chains. Initially, the U.S. imposed Section 301 tariffs in 2018 on more than $250 billion worth of Chinese goods. Consequently, multinational corporations moved swiftly to adjust their sourcing and manufacturing strategies. Furthermore, the scope of these tariffs expanded by 2019 to cover approximately $370 billion in Chinese imports. Moreover, the total eventually reached around $550 billion as the government implemented additional tranches. Therefore, these significant trade barriers forced a global shift in production and procurement. This escalation prompted many firms to diversify their supply chains, shift production to other countries, or reconfigure operations to mitigate the impact of rising costs.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/tariffs-impact-global-supply-chains/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

TARIFFS & TRADE IMPACT: History of Tariffs

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:30:39 +0000

Tariffs, defined as taxes imposed on merchandise imports, have been instrumental in shaping international trade policies and economic landscapes. Their evolution reflects the shifting priorities of nations-from revenue generation and protectionism to trade liberalisation. This article traces the historical trajectory of tariffs.

📜 Early Use of Duties & Tariffs

In medieval Europe, tariffs primarily served as a means for monarchs and local lords to generate revenue. England levied duties such as the "custom and subsidy on wool" on exports. Furthermore, these taxes provided significant income to the crown. Consequently, the trade of wool became a vital pillar of the royal treasury. These duties were meticulously recorded in customs accounts, offering valuable insights into medieval trade practices.

🛡️ 19th Century: The Rise of Protectionism

The 19th century witnessed a surge in protectionist policies, with tariffs employed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. In the United Kingdom, the Tariff Reform League was established in 1903 to advocate for preferential trade within the British Empire, aiming to strengthen economic ties and protect imperial interests.

🌐 20th Century: Moves Towards Liberalisation

In the United States, the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (RTAA) of 1934 empowered the President to negotiate tariff reductions with other nations, promoting a more open and reciprocal trade environment. This act underscored a departure from isolationist policies, fostering international economic cooperation.

The aftermath of World War II marked a significant shift towards trade liberalisation. In 1947, 23 countries signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), aiming to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers to promote international trade. GATT served as the foundation for subsequent multilateral trade negotiations and agreements.

In 1968, the European Economic Community (EEC) achieved a milestone by eliminating customs duties among its member states, thereby establishing a customs union. This integration facilitated the free movement of goods and laid the foundation for the modern European Union.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/evolution-of-tariffs-in-global-trade/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

🧾 A Complete Guide to Tariffs: Meaning, Mechanism, Purpose, and Types

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:19:45 +0000

📌 What Are Tariffs?

Governments impose tariffs as a type of customs duty on merchandise imports, which consist of physical goods brought into a country from abroad. Customs authorities collect these taxes at the border to regulate international trade, protect domestic industries, and generate government revenue. Furthermore, authorities charge tariffs as either a fixed amount per unit or as a percentage of the total value of the product.

Tariffs have existed for centuries and remain a major tool in shaping economic and political relationships between countries.

⚙ How Do Tariffs Work? (Tariff Mechanism)

The tariff mechanism is part of a broader customs system. Here’s how it generally works:

Goods are imported from another country.

At the border or port, the customs authority assesses the product.

A tariff is calculated based on either:
o the product’s value,
o its weight/quantity, or
o a combination of both.

The importer pays the tariff as a duty to the government.

The importer then includes the tariff cost in the final retail price, so the end consumer often bears the financial impact.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/tariffs-economic-impact-guide/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

360tf Powers $10Mn+ LC-Backed Trade Deal Between UAE and East Africa via BankSecure Platform

Harshit Agarwal — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:15:49 +0000

We are excited to share a recent trade finance achievement at 360tf. Our team successfully executed an LC-backed transaction worth over $10 million. This deal connects a leading East African metals manufacturer with exporters in the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, the transaction involved multiple Letters of Credit (LCs) with a 270-day tenor. This allows for the seamless import of industrial metals such as steel, copper, and zinc into East Africa. Consequently, the deal reflects growing trade flows between the UAE and Africa while highlighting the demand for secure financing in emerging markets.

Streamlining Trade via 360tf BankSecure

At the heart of this success is our robust platform, 360tf BankSecure. This tool empowers clients to digitise and streamline their interactions with banks globally. From sourcing competitive quotes for LC discounting to ensuring smooth execution, BankSecure delivers end-to-end support that remains fast and secure. Furthermore, the platform enables businesses to navigate complex international requirements with ease.

**Key Highlights of the $10 Million Transaction

What makes this deal special?**

High-Value Trade: Facilitated a major LC-backed transaction between the UAE and East Africa.

Liquidity: Provided instant working capital realisation for exporters through 360tf BankSecure.

Security: Ensured a de-risked process through strong global bank partnerships.

360tf BankSecure enabled:

Access to multiple real-time bank quotes for LC financing.

Fast, transparent transaction flow with full risk mitigation.

End-to-end support for both exporters and importers.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/lc-backed-trade-finance-uae-east-africa-360tf/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Unlocking Growth: How Priya Transformed Her Export Business with 360tf ENCASH

Harshit Agarwal — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:21:36 +0000

Priya, a thriving handicrafts exporter, had built strong relationships with international buyers. However, despite her growing global presence, she faced a recurring challenge-buyers demanding 60 to 90 days of credit, which tied up her working capital and slowed down business expansion.

With payments structured on extended credit terms, Priya struggled to pay suppliers on time, accept larger orders, and invest in scaling her operations. Traditional loans were slow and costly, leaving her looking for a smarter solution.

One afternoon, as she finalised an order with a luxury home décor retailer in France, her accountant, Rohan, interrupted with concern.

“Ma’am, we need to plan cash flow. The client’s payment cycle is 75 days-should we delay supplier payments or take a loan?”

Priya, determined to find a better way, turned to 360tf ENCASH, a financing solution designed to give exporters immediate liquidity.

360tf ENCASH: The Smart Trade Finance Solution

360tf ENCASH transformed the business for Priya by turning her cash flow struggles into opportunities for expansion. This solution provides immediate benefits that streamline international trade operations. Specifically, the following features drive her success:

Business Expansion: Access to working capital allowed her to take on bigger export orders and enter new markets without financial stress.

Instant Cash Flow: Instead of waiting months for payments, Priya received funds upfront upon invoice acceptance. This immediate access to capital enabled smooth daily operations.

No More Borrowing Hassles: Unlike traditional loans with lengthy approvals and high interest rates, 360tf ENCASH provided quick, hassle-free financing at competitive rates.

Stronger Supplier Relations: With immediate liquidity, Priya paid suppliers on time. Consequently, she secured better deals and discounts for her materials.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/unlocking-growth-how-priya-transformed-her-export-business-with-360tf-encash/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Digital Synergies: The Evolving Relationship Between Banks and FinTechs – A Q&A with Shalini Warrier

Harshit Agarwal — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:18:09 +0000

In a recent episode of Business Unplugged, 360tf Co-Founder Vikram Lodha hosted a thought-provoking fireside chat with Ms.Shalini Warrier Executive Director & Business Head - Retail at Federal Bank, a seasoned banking veteran to discuss the evolving synergies between banks and fintechs. Below are some key takeaways from their conversation, shedding light on the current and future landscape of digital finance.

Q1: Vikram Lodha –What makes the current phase of digital transformation in banking unique compared to previous shifts you have witnessed?

Shalini Warrier: “Having been a part of the banking industry for decades, I have seen significant shifts-from the rise of private banks in India to the challenges of the global financial crisis and now, the wave of digital transformation. What stands out today is the crucial role played by three elements:

The pivotal involvement of the government and regulators in driving this transformation.

The focus on interoperability, especially in India.

The incredible speed at which experimental technologies are becoming commercially viable.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/digital-synergies-banks-fintechs-qa-shalini-warrier/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Unveiling the Vision: The 360tf Journey with Co-Founder and CEO Vikram Lodha

Harshit Agarwal — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:13:22 +0000

We are thrilled to share an insightful interview conducted by The Asian Banker with our CEO, Vikram Lodha. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the founding journey of 360tf and the company's vision for the future.

Highlights of the Interview:

Founding Mission: Learn about the mission that led to the establishment of 360tf in 2020 and its official launch in August 2021.

Global Impact: Discover how 360tf has become a significant player in the trade finance ecosystem, facilitating over $8 billion in transactions in just two years.

Digital Real-Time Operation: Understand the platform's commitment to facilitating two-way communication 24/7 in the digital space.

Global Expansion: Find out about the company's global footprint with headquarters in Singapore, subsidiary offices in India and Dubai, and sales offices in Bangladesh and Qatar.

Future Plans: Gain insights into 360tf's plans for the future, including its focus on sustainability and incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/an-interview-with-ceo-vikram-lodha-by-the-asian-banker/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

The Future of Trade Finance in Africa

Harshit Agarwal — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:09:55 +0000

Trade serves as one of the most important drivers of economic growth. However, Africa as a continent is still not entirely capturing the growth-enhancing benefits of international commerce. Although its population has more than tripled over the last five decades to account for around 17% of the world’s population, Africa’s share of global trade has decreased steadily over the same period, from 4.4% to just 3%.

Trade Finance plays a vital role in this global growth. Currently, the deficit of trade finance is a persistent issue that the pandemic is likely to aggravate. Regulatory challenges have emerged as a significant drag on the African trade finance gap. Specifically, 15% of banks list these challenges as the main constraint to expanding the trade finance supply.

Understanding the Scale of the African Trade Finance Gap

Though the unmet demand in trade finance declined significantly from its peak of $120 billion in 2011 to $81 billion in 2019, the deficit remains stark. The global trade finance gap was estimated at $1.5 trillion in 2018, meaning the average unmet demand in Africa represents 5.5% of the total global gap.

The response from key players, including Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), contributed to the recent decline in the African trade finance gap. DFIs increasingly play an active role by providing facilities for short-term lending and credit guarantees aimed at SMEs. On average, 60% of banks in Africa that engage in trade finance receive some form of DFI support. However, despite this support, the participation rate continues to fall-dropping to 71% in 2019 compared to 87% in 2018.

Characterisation of Trade Assets within the African Trade Finance Gap

Roughly 60% of trade finance assets held by banks are unfunded transactions, such as letters of credit (LCs). In the previous decade, these assets accounted for 14% of total bank assets in Africa. Crucially, all LCs issued by African banks require confirmation from large global banks.

As global banks "de-risk" and pull out of markets they perceive as too risky, they leave many African-based banks unable to conduct trade in foreign currency. Based on SWIFT data analysis, the number of correspondent banking relationships involving US Dollar transactions decreased by about 25% between 2011 and 2017. This "de-risking" phase is a primary driver of the African trade finance gap, as it reduces the confirmation lines available to African banks.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/the-future-of-trade-finance-in-africa/

For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/

Africa Trade Finance – A Gap but a Golden Opportunity for Banks & Trade Finance Fintech

Harshit Agarwal — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:05:12 +0000

Trade serves as the primary engine for economic development. However, Africa faces a systemic challenge. While its population now accounts for 17 per cent of the world, its share of global trade has declined to just 3 per cent. This disparity stems largely from the persistent African trade finance gap, which experts currently estimate at $81 billion. To unlock the continent's potential, stakeholders must address the structural barriers that prevent capital from reaching the businesses that need it most.

The SME Rejection Crisis and Regulatory Friction

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) act as the lifeblood of the African economy, yet they bear the brunt of the financing deficit. Currently, over 50 per cent of SME trade finance applications face rejection. Banks often cite a lack of collateral and "high perceived risk" as the primary reasons. Furthermore, 15 per cent of banks list stringent regulatory requirements as the main constraint to expanding supply. Because economies now implement Basel III and strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures, banks must set aside more risk capital. Consequently, this makes SME lending much less attractive to traditional lenders.

Global De-risking and the Correspondent Banking Squeeze

Another major driver of the African trade finance gap is the withdrawal of global financial institutions from the region. Known as "de-risking," this trend has caused the number of correspondent banking relationships for US Dollar transactions to drop by 25 per cent over the last decade. Since all Letters of Credit (LCs) issued by African banks require confirmation from these global hubs, their exit leaves local banks isolated. Moreover, this reduced "confirmation line" capacity makes it nearly impossible for many African businesses to conduct trade in foreign currency.

For More Do read it From Our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/africa-trade-finance-a-gap-but-a-golden-opportunity-for-banks-trade-finance-fintech/
For any trade finance queries, reach out to tia@360tf.trade or our Website - https://www.360tf.trade/