After five years of Brexit, the United Kingdom and India concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday. The two countries underwent three years of negotiations. The Indian textile and garment industry has welcomed the trade deal, which will provide duty-free access for textiles and clothing. Currently, the UK imposes up to 12 per cent duty on Indian textiles and garments. Industry leaders have said that the FTA presents a golden opportunity for India to gain more market share in the UK, putting it on par with other exporting nations that enjoy duty-free access under the Least Developed Countries (LDC) scheme.

Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman of Raymond Group, commented, " The signing of the India-UK FTA arrives at a crucial juncture for India. Amidst geopolitical realignments and supply chain disruptions, it’s a strategic enabler for boosting our collaborative capacity. Such agreements are vital for integrating India more deeply into resilient global value chains, strengthening our position as a trusted manufacturing and export partner on the world stage."

Sanjay K Jain, chairman ICC National Textile Committee and Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “The FTA will provide a huge opportunity for the Indian garment industry. Its textile and fabric industry will also benefit from the deal. The UK is a large market for us. Indian industry will be at par with other garment exporting countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Therefore, we will be able to replace these nations as a major supplier. These countries are getting duty benefits under LDC scheme.”

KM Subramanian, president, Tiruppur Exporters Association, said, “India-UK Free Trade Agreement will be a game-changer for the Indian textile sector. It will unlock new export avenues, reduce trade barriers, and empower our weavers and manufacturers to access premium UK market.” He added that the pact would bolster India’s position as a global textile hub, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting Indian craftsmanship and innovation globally. The trade deal will greatly boost the Indian garment industry and India can potentially double its share in the UK market. Tiruppur, in particular, is likely to benefit the most. The UK will become a buying hub for the entire European market.

Dr. Mukesh Kansal, chairman, CTA Apparels, commented, "We warmly welcome the conclusion of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements are a win-win for both nations. For the textile and apparel industry, they unlock fresh opportunities by reducing tariff barriers, encouraging technology exchange, and enhancing market access. The UK has long been a valued partner, and this framework will significantly boost bilateral trade, foster innovation, and create more sustainable and competitive supply chains. We look forward to contributing to this new era of Indo-British textile cooperation."

N Thirukkumaran, general secretary of Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA) & chairman of Esstee Exports India, said, “With this FTA, there is a possibility of exports to the UK doubling in the next two years. So, this will make a paradigm shift in terms of sourcing from other countries to India. This will also pave the way for the FTA with the EU because EU would like to have a bigger share in India’s market. India being a big consumer market, every country will be eyeing an FTA with us. The bilateral trade agreement with US, which is progressing very well, is also a very welcome step for the Indian textile industry. The India-UK FTA is a big boost to the textile industry as a whole and also for Tiruppur.”

The Apparel Export Promotion council also said in a press release issued in Tiruppur that the agreement marks a transformative milestone for India's textile industry. Dr. A. Sakthivel, Vice Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), has welcomed the announcement and said that it is a Himalayan achievement that will provide a strong impetus to India’s textile exports and boost employment and growth in the sector. The FTA is expected to pave the way for long-term growth, attract investment, and create a more favorable business environment for textile stakeholders in both countries.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) also welcomed the agreement in a press release issued in Tiruppur. It said that The India-UK FTA is expected to pave the way for long-term growth, attract investment, and create a more favourable business environment for textile stakeholders in both countries.

Dr. A Sakthivel, vice chairman of AEPC, said, “This is a Himalayan achievement that will provide a strong impetus to India’s textile exports and boost employment and growth in the sector.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)