AEPC Hails July 15 Rollout of India-UK FTA, Sees Major Boost for Apparel Exports
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has warmly welcomed the announcement that the landmark India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on July 15, 2026, describing it as a transformative development for India’s apparel export sector and a major step towards strengthening the country’s position in global trade.
The implementation of the agreement marks a historic milestone in India-UK economic relations and reflects the strong commitment of both governments to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. For India’s apparel industry, the agreement is expected to unlock substantial opportunities by providing duty-free market access and enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products in one of the world’s largest and most discerning consumer markets.
Welcoming the development, Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said:
“The entry into force of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement from July 15 is a watershed moment for India’s apparel export industry. The agreement will provide a significant competitive advantage to Indian exporters by eliminating tariff barriers and creating a level playing field in the UK market. It has the potential to substantially increase India’s apparel exports to the UK, attract fresh investments, generate large-scale employment and strengthen India’s integration with global value chains.”
“The speed with which this agreement has been operationalised demonstrates the commitment of the leadership of both nations to translate trade negotiations into tangible business opportunities. We are confident that the FTA will open a new chapter of growth for India’s labour-intensive apparel sector, support manufacturing expansion and contribute significantly to the Government’s vision of making India a global manufacturing and sourcing hub.”
Dr Sakthivel further noted that the United Kingdom is among India’s most important apparel export destinations, with considerable untapped potential. The duty-free access secured under the agreement is expected to improve price competitiveness, facilitate deeper market penetration and enable Indian exporters to secure a larger share of the UK’s apparel imports.
Dr Sakthivel lauded the efforts of Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal for successfully steering the negotiations and ensuring the early operationalisation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said the agreement reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding India’s global trade footprint, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industry and creating new opportunities for exporters.
“The India-UK FTA is a shining example of how proactive trade diplomacy under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal is creating tangible benefits for India’s exporting community, manufacturing sector and workforce. AEPC expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government for securing an agreement that will significantly strengthen the prospects of India’s apparel exports,” Dr Sakthivel added.
The Council believes that the India-UK FTA will serve as a catalyst for accelerating apparel exports, attracting investments, boosting manufacturing and generating large-scale employment, particularly for women, who form a significant part of the apparel workforce.
As the apex body for apparel exports, AEPC remains committed to working closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to ensure that Indian exporters fully leverage the opportunities arising from the agreement and further strengthen India’s reputation as a reliable and preferred sourcing destination for global buyers.
CREDITS: PR received from Pallavi Mishra <
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