ENA Global 2025-07-24 18:23:19 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jul 24 (KNN)</strong> India and the United Kingdom have finalised a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade and benefiting multiple labour-intensive industries. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The deal, signed after over three years of negotiations, is expected to open new opportunities for Indian exports in sectors like leather, textiles, gems and jewellery, and new sports goods.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Under the agreement, the UK will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, providing a competitive edge to Indian manufacturers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In return, India will gradually reduce or eliminate duties on 90% of British goods over the next decade. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This reciprocal arrangement is expected to strengthen trade ties and promote economic growth in both nations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The textile and apparel sector is among the biggest beneficiaries, as UK import duties ranging between 8-12% will now be removed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Industry experts anticipate that this could double Indian textile exports to the UK over the next five to six years. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Similarly, the leather and footwear industry, which faced tariffs up to 16%, will now enjoy duty-free access, benefiting manufacturing hubs like Kanpur, Agra, and Chennai.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The gems and jewellery sector, a vital part of Indias export economy, is also expected to thrive under the new framework. Industry estimates suggest that exports to the UK could reach $7 billion within two years due to the removal of existing trade barriers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Sports goods and furniture manufacturers will also gain from zero-duty access to the UK market, improving profitability and market reach. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, the agreement includes provisions to ease mobility for Indian professionals, such as visa facilitation and social security exemptions for short-term work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Overall, the FTA is expected to enhance India's manufacturing competitiveness, generate employment in MSMEs, and deepen its integration into global supply chains. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Analysts project that the deal could lead to a 15% annual growth in bilateral trade, marking a new era of economic cooperation between India and the UK.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 42934 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/india-uk-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-textiles-gems-jewellery-sports-sectors 2025-07-24 18:23:19 knnindia.co.in