PDEXCIL Hails India–UK FTA for Powerloom Sector Growth

The Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) has expressed strong support for the newly signed India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a game-changing opportunity for the Indian powerloom and textile sectors. Signed on July 23, 2025, the FTA provides duty-free access to over 99% of Indian exports to the UK. This includes key products from the powerloom industry, such as cotton fabrics, synthetic and blended textiles, made-ups, and home furnishings.

Shri K. Sakthivel, Chairman of PDEXCIL, stated:
“This agreement marks a new era for Indian powerloom manufacturers and exporters. The elimination of tariffs on key textile products will significantly enhance our sector's global competitiveness, allowing MSMEs to scale up exports and tap into premium markets across the United Kingdom.”

With the UK being a major destination for India’s textile exports, the FTA removes customs duties that previously placed Indian exporters at a disadvantage against other nations with preferential access. The FTA ensures a level playing field and opens up a broad spectrum of benefits including:

• Zero-duty access for synthetic, blended, and cotton fabrics
• Better entry for value-added items like bedsheets, curtains, and garments
• New avenues for technology partnerships, skill-building, and joint ventures with UK firms

These developments are expected to align with and boost national initiatives like “Make in India” and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Chairman K. Sakthivel praised the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and appreciated the persistent efforts of Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in ensuring the inclusion of crucial textile elements in the FTA.