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India–UK FTA to boost textile trade through tariff cuts, market access

07 May '25
2 min read
India–UK FTA to boost textile trade through tariff cuts, market access
Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

  • India and UK have concluded a landmark FTA, eliminating tariffs on 99 per cent of UK lines and offering nearly full trade value coverage.
  • The deal will boost India's textile, manufacturing, and service sectors, enhance export potential, and create jobs.
  • It will grant better access for Indian professionals, ease mobility, and align with domestic reforms to improve business ease and global competitiveness.
India and the UK have concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises deep economic integration and substantial tariff concessions, especially benefitting India’s textile, manufacturing, and services sectors. The agreement eliminates tariffs on about 99 per cent of UK tariff lines, covering nearly 100 per cent of the trade value, ensuring robust market access across key Indian export sectors.

The FTA opens up significant opportunities for labour- and technology-intensive industries including textiles, leather, footwear, marine products, sports goods, engineering goods and chemicals. These sectors are expected to gain a competitive edge in the UK market, with improved export potential and job creation in India.

In services, the UK has offered one of its most ambitious commitments yet, granting enhanced access in areas such as IT/ITeS, finance, professional and educational services. The deal also facilitates easier mobility for Indian professionals including contractual workers, investors, and independent professionals.

Indian service providers will benefit from a three-year exemption from UK social security contributions, leading to cost savings and higher competitiveness. Additionally, the FTA addresses non-tariff barriers and encourages regulatory transparency, aligning with India’s domestic reform agenda to improve ease of doing business.

“As two leading democracies and global innovation hubs, India and the UK reaffirm their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and working together to address global challenges. The India–UK FTA sets a new benchmark for fair, ambitious, and modern trade agreements worldwide,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)

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