AEPC Welcomes July 15 Implementation of India-UK FTA, Cites Opportunities for Apparel Exports

Council says duty-free market access under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Indian apparel exports in the UK market.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has welcomed the announcement that the India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on July 15, 2026.

According to the Council, the implementation of the agreement marks a new phase in India-UK economic relations and reflects the commitment of both governments to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. For the apparel sector, the agreement is expected to provide duty-free market access, improving the competitiveness of Indian products in the UK market.

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 key apparel export destinations with considerable untapped potential. He stated that duty-free access under the agreement is expected to improve price competitiveness, support deeper market penetration and enable Indian exporters to increase their share of the UK's apparel imports.

Dr Sakthivel also acknowledged the efforts of Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal in leading the negotiations and supporting the early implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said the agreement reflects the Government's focus on expanding India's global trade presence, improving industry competitiveness 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 stated that the India-UK FTA is expected to support apparel exports, attract investments, strengthen manufacturing and create employment opportunities, particularly for women employed in the apparel sector.

As the apex body for apparel exports, AEPC said it will continue to work with the Government and industry stakeholders to help exporters utilise the opportunities created by the agreement and strengthen India's position as a sourcing destination for global buyers.